🔗 Share this article WHO Faces Significant Workforce Reduction Following US Financial Withdrawal The international public health agency revealed intentions to reduce its staff by almost a quarter – totaling over two thousand jobs – by mid-2026. Funding Crisis Triggers Substantial Restructuring The decision comes following the United States, formerly the agency's biggest contributor, withdrew funding previously this year. Washington had been contributing about 18% of the organization's total budget, causing a significant budgetary shortfall. Projected Staff Reductions According to internal projections, the workforce is expected to drop from nine thousand four hundred and one positions in January 2025 to approximately seven thousand and thirty by June 2026. This reduction of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one posts comprises job cuts, employees retiring, and natural attrition. "This year has been one of the toughest in our history, while we have navigated a challenging but necessary journey of prioritisation and restructuring," stated the organization's leader. Budget Shortfall Remains This Switzerland-headquartered organization now confronts a funding shortfall of $1.06bn for the upcoming period, representing nearly a quarter of its total budget. The figure marks an reduction from a prior estimated gap of $1.7bn noted in spring. Excluded Funding These financial projections do not include an additional 1.1 billion dollars in expected contributions from ongoing negotiations with various contributors. The representative for the agency noted that the current unsecured portion of the biennial budget is actually smaller than in previous periods, attributing this to several reasons: Reduced total budget size Initiation of a new donor outreach effort An increase in participating countries' required fees The restructuring initiative is now nearing its completion, allowing the agency to progress with a renewed operational model.