WHO scales back operations and staff amid funding cuts

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.

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