WHO Management Restructuring Amid Budget Cuts
London: The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to halve its management teams and reduce its operations, as stated by its director on Wednesday. This announcement comes four months after the US declared its intention to withdraw from the agency and cut its funding.
“To be blunt, we can’t do everything,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus remarked during a Budget Committee meeting in advance of next week’s annual general meeting.
President Donald Trump indicated the US’s departure from the agency on the first day of his presidency in January. U.S. law necessitates a notice period of one year before the withdrawal, as the country has been the largest financial contributor.
Tedros highlighted that, due to a projected 21% budget cut for 2026-2027—bringing the total down to $4.2 billion—both the organization and its member states would need to make tough decisions regarding their priorities.
Even with budget reductions, he noted that the funding could decrease by around 60% if member states proceed to increase mandatory fees at the upcoming meeting.
The WHO has already initiated measures for better efficiency and aims to save approximately $165 million this year. Additionally, the organization plans to cut down the number of departments from 76 to 34 and reduce staff costs by 25%, though this doesn’t necessarily equate to a 25% reduction in personnel.
“Let’s be clear: shrinking our workforce implies diminishing both the size and scope of our work,” he stressed, mentioning that the organization would also be closing several offices in affluent nations.
Tedros noted ongoing discussions with other global health entities regarding improved collaboration in light of the impending budget cuts.
The new leadership team has decreased from 14 to a seven-member body, including Tedros himself. Adjustments involve appointing Dr. Jeremy Farrar as Deputy Director for Health Promotion and Prevention, and Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu as the executive director of the Health Emergencies program. Dr. Sylvie Briand will take on the role of Chief Scientist.
