🔗 Share this article World Health Organization Confronts Major Workforce Cuts Following US Financial Withdrawal This global health organization revealed intentions to reduce its workforce by nearly a quarter – totaling more than two thousand jobs – by the middle of 2026. Funding Shortfall Prompts Major Restructuring The decision comes after the US, previously the organization's largest donor, pulled out financial support previously this period. Washington was contributing approximately eighteen percent of the agency's total funding, causing a substantial financial shortfall. Projected Workforce Cuts Based on internal estimates, the staff is expected to drop from 9,401 posts in early 2025 to approximately 7,030 by June 2026. This decrease of 2,371 posts includes job cuts, employees retiring, and regular departures. "This year has been among the toughest in WHO's existence, as we have navigated a painful but necessary process of prioritisation and restructuring," commented the organization's leader. Financial Shortfall Persists This Geneva-based organization currently faces a funding shortfall of 1.06 billion dollars for the upcoming period, amounting to nearly a fourth of its total funding. The figure represents an improvement from a previous projected gap of $1.7bn reported in spring. Not Included Finances The financial calculations do not include a further 1.1 billion dollars in potential contributions from ongoing negotiations with multiple donors. The spokesperson for the agency noted that the current unfunded portion of the biennial budget is in fact lower than in earlier years, crediting this to several reasons: A smaller total budget size The launch of a fresh donor outreach effort Higher in participating countries' mandatory contributions The realignment process is now approaching its completion, paving the way for the organization to move forward with a reshaped operational model.