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The World Health Organization (WHO) is undergoing one of the most significant restructurings in its history as it grapples with massive budget cuts following the United States’ withdrawal from the agency earlier this year.
Speaking at a budget committee meeting ahead of the WHO’s annual gathering next week, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed that the organization has reduced its senior management team by half and will implement sweeping operational cutbacks.
“To be blunt, we cannot do everything,” Tedros said. His comments underscore the gravity of the organization’s financial situation just four months after President Donald Trump announced, on his first day back in office in January, that the U.S. would leave the WHO and halt its contributions.
U.S. Departure Leaves Major Funding Gap
The United States has historically been the largest single donor to the WHO, contributing hundreds of millions annually. Under U.S. law, a 12-month notice and the settlement of outstanding dues are required for an official exit from the organization.
As of now, the outstanding U.S. contributions remain unpaid, leaving the WHO scrambling to adjust to a significantly reduced financial outlook.
Austerity Measures and Staff Cuts Underway
Tedros announced a proposed 21% budget cut for the 2026-2027 cycle, reducing the operating budget to $4.2 billion. However, even that lower target is expected to be only 60% funded, unless member states agree to increase their mandatory contributions next week.
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The agency has already rolled out efficiency measures aimed at saving approximately $165 million in 2025. As part of its restructuring plan, the WHO will:
- Reduce the number of departments from 76 to 34
- Implement a 25% reduction in staff-related costs (though not necessarily eliminate 25% of jobs)
- Shut down some offices in high-income countries
“But let’s be clear,” Tedros said, “reducing the scale of our workforce means reducing the scale and scope of our work.”
New Leadership Structure Announced
The WHO’s executive leadership team has been trimmed from 14 members to just 7, including Tedros himself. This new, leaner team will oversee the organization’s work as it redefines its global role.
Among the most notable leadership changes:
- Dr. Jeremy Farrar, previously the WHO’s chief scientist, will now serve as Assistant Director-General for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention and Control.
- Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, known for his leadership in epidemic response, has been named Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme.
- Dr. Sylvie Briand will take over as the new Chief Scientist.
The reassignments reflect a strategic consolidation of roles to maximize impact with fewer resources.
Strategic Shifts and Difficult Choices Ahead
Tedros emphasized that the WHO, along with its member states, must now make difficult decisions about priorities in global health, particularly with limited funds. The cuts come at a time when the world continues to grapple with health crises ranging from post-pandemic recovery to emerging disease threats, climate-related health challenges, and non-communicable diseases.
In response to the funding crisis, the WHO has begun consultations with other international health organizations to explore collaborative solutions and shared responsibilities.
Impact on Global Health Programs
While Tedros did not provide details on which specific programs would be affected, the implications of such deep budget and staffing cuts are profound. The WHO plays a vital role in:
- Coordinating international pandemic response
- Monitoring global disease outbreaks
- Supporting health systems in low- and middle-income countries
- Setting international health standards and guidelines
With its capacity scaled back, experts fear that global health preparedness and equity could be compromised, especially in regions most dependent on WHO-led programs.
