The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced major reductions in its management team and operations, following a significant funding cut after the U.S. confirmed its exit from the agency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is scaling back its operations, cutting its management team by half, and implementing cost-saving measures, according to director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. This comes four months after the United States announced its decision to leave the agency and halt funding, leaving the WHO facing a budget shortfall.
At a budget committee meeting on Wednesday, Tedros emphasized the challenges the WHO now faces, stating, "To be blunt, we cannot do everything." A proposed 21% budget cut for 2026-2027 will reduce funding to $4.2 billion, with only 60% of that being funded if member states agree to raise mandatory fees.
Tedros confirmed that efficiency measures would save $165 million this year, alongside staff reductions. However, he clarified that the 25% cut in staff costs would not equate to job losses but a reduction in the scope of WHO’s operations, including the closure of some offices in high-income nations.
The WHO has already made significant changes to its leadership structure, shrinking the management team from 14 to seven, including Tedros himself. New roles include Dr. Jeremy Farrar moving to assistant director-general for health promotion and disease control, while Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu becomes executive director of the health emergencies programme. Dr. Sylvie Briand will serve as chief scientist.
The organisation is also seeking closer collaboration with other global health groups to maximise impact despite the cuts.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 Se...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told ...
Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second-largest contract chipmaker, is investing $2 billion to build a new fabrication plant in Wuxi, China as p...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 September.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has rejected claims that Moroccan authorities orchestrated July’s deadly mass border crossing into Ceuta, saying Spain has found no evidence that Rabat planned or carried out the incident.
Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service, PET, has warned that Russia is actively preparing sabotage operations against targets in the country, with defence companies supporting Ukraine seen as a particular focus.
Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to raise bilateral trade to $200 million within two years, as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded a three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan.
The latest escalation between the United States and Iran is being fought not only on the ground and at sea, but increasingly in the skies above the Gulf where a missile launch or intercepted drone can force an aircraft thousands of metres above the region to change course.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment