🔗 Share this article World Health Organization Confronts Significant Workforce Cuts After United States Financial Withdrawal The global public health agency revealed intentions to reduce its workforce by nearly a quarter – totaling more than two thousand jobs – by mid-2026. Funding Crisis Triggers Major Restructuring This decision comes after the United States, formerly the agency's largest contributor, withdrew funding previously this period. The US government had been contributing about 18% of the organization's overall budget, creating a substantial budgetary shortfall. Projected Workforce Cuts Based on internal estimates, the staff is expected to drop from 9,401 posts in early 2025 to around 7,030 by mid-2026. This reduction of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one posts comprises job cuts, retirements, and regular departures. "The past year was one of the most difficult in WHO's existence, as we have navigated a challenging but essential process of prioritization and restructuring," commented the agency's leader. Financial Gap Remains The Switzerland-headquartered body now confronts a budget shortfall of $1.06bn for the upcoming biennium, amounting to almost a fourth of its total funding. This figure represents an improvement from a previous estimated shortfall of $1.7bn noted in spring. Not Included Finances The financial calculations exclude a further $1.1bn in expected contributions from current negotiations with various contributors. The representative for the agency noted that the current unsecured part of the biennial budget is in fact lower than in previous periods, attributing this to several factors: A smaller total budget Initiation of a new fundraising effort An increase in participating countries' required fees This restructuring initiative is now approaching its completion, allowing the organization to progress with a reshaped operational model.