🔗 Share this article WHO Confronts Significant Staff Reduction After US Funding Pullout The international health organization has announced intentions to cut its staff by almost a quarter – totaling more than two thousand positions – by mid-2026. Financial Crisis Prompts Substantial Restructuring The move follows following the United States, formerly the organization's largest donor, pulled out funding previously this period. The US government was contributing approximately eighteen percent of the agency's total funding, causing a significant financial gap. Expected Workforce Cuts According to organizational estimates, the staff will decrease from nine thousand four hundred and one positions in early 2025 to approximately 7,030 by June 2026. This decrease of 2,371 positions comprises staff reductions, retirements, and regular departures. "This year has been one of the most difficult in WHO's existence, while we have navigated a challenging but necessary process of prioritisation and restructuring," stated the agency's director-general. Budget Shortfall Remains The Switzerland-headquartered organization now confronts a funding shortfall of $1.06bn for the 2026-2027 period, representing almost a fourth of its total funding. This figure represents an reduction from a prior estimated gap of $1.7bn noted in May. Excluded Finances The budget calculations do not include an additional 1.1 billion dollars in potential contributions from ongoing negotiations with multiple donors. The spokesperson for the agency noted that the present unfunded part of the budget is actually smaller than in previous periods, attributing this to several reasons: A smaller total budget size The launch of a new donor outreach effort An increase in member states' mandatory fees The restructuring process is currently nearing its completion, paving the way for the agency to move forward with a renewed structure.