🔗 Share this article WHO Faces Major Workforce Reduction Following US Funding Pullout The global public health organization has announced plans to cut its staff by almost a quarter – amounting to over two thousand positions – by mid-2026. Financial Shortfall Triggers Major Reorganization The move follows after the US, formerly the agency's largest donor, pulled out funding earlier this year. The US government was responsible for about 18% of the agency's overall budget, causing a significant financial shortfall. Projected Staff Reductions According to organizational projections, the staff is expected to drop from 9,401 positions in early 2025 to approximately 7,030 by June 2026. The reduction of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one posts comprises staff reductions, retirements, and regular attrition. "This year has been one of the toughest in our existence, while we have navigated a painful but essential journey of prioritisation and realignment," commented the agency's director-general. Financial Shortfall Remains This Switzerland-headquartered organization currently faces a funding shortfall of $1.06bn for the upcoming period, representing almost a fourth of its required funding. The figure marks an reduction from a prior estimated shortfall of $1.7bn noted in spring. Excluded Funding The budget projections do not include a further $1.1bn in potential funding from current discussions with multiple donors. A representative for the organization stated that the current unsecured portion of the budget is actually smaller than in earlier periods, attributing this to multiple factors: Reduced overall budget size Initiation of a new fundraising campaign An increase in participating countries' mandatory contributions This restructuring initiative is now approaching its end, allowing the agency to progress with a renewed operational model.