WHO announces cuts after US funding withdrawal

The World Health Organization WHO has announced a road map for cuts and tightening as it navigates a different reality in the absence of US funding.

A new internal memo signed by WHO assistant director-general Raul Thomas detailed plans by the UN agency to limit staff contracts to one year as it makes efforts to fix priorities. 

The document along with detailing further cuts stated that senior officials within the agency have already begun prioritizing work that would make the global agency’s work sustainable. 

"While operating in an extremely fluid environment, WHO’s senior management are working to navigate these shifting tides by undertaking a prioritization process," the memo said.

"Their work will ensure that every resource is directed toward the most pressing priorities while preserving WHO's ability to make a lasting impact," it said.

Washington, which was instrumental in helping set up the agency after World War Two and has been one of its most active members, is by far the U.N. health agency's biggest financial backer, contributing around 18% of its overall funding.

The document also mentioned that staff were already seeking funding from alternative  sources like philanthropists, private donors and other countries. 

It is unclear however if these attempts at seeking funding have been successful. 

The internal memo, while not outrightly announcing immediate staff cuts, said "given the magnitude of the challenges we face, some difficult decisions are unavoidable."

In the period from 2022 to 2023, the US gave up to $1.284 billion to WHO as experts continue to decry the move by the Trump administration saying that it would spell disaster for public health around the world.

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