As contributions across the board drop sharply, WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated on Thursday that the organization is experiencing “the greatest disruption to global health financing in memory.”
The crisis grew more severe after the US, the organization’s former largest financier, abruptly stepped down in January, alleging that the health organization had handled the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. Prior to now, the US had provided nearly a fifth of WHO’s budget.
In response, the WHO has updated its financial strategies, reducing its current spending, and proposing a budget cut of 21% for the years 2026-2027.
A significant staff reduction is described in an internal memo seen by Reuters, which ranges from $5.3 billion to $4.2 billion.
Tedros warned that cutting the budget will have a direct impact on healthcare systems around the world, especially in the most impoverished nations, saying, “It is of course very painful.”
cuts that are consistent across the board
The WHO intends to reduce costs at all levels of operation, including regional and country offices in Geneva. Some offices in wealthy countries may be completely shut down.
About 25% of the WHO’s salary budget is still unfunded over the next two years, according to Assistant Director General for Business Operations Raul Thomas. It’s too early to say how many positions will be lost because it would depend on staffing levels and locations.
Tedros cited deeper structural issues as a result of the US exit, which added pressure. Currently, the WHO relies on a select few nations to provide 80% of its budget through voluntary contributions. He argued that the organization needs to diversify its sources of funding to survive.
Tedros, who has not spoken directly with President Donald Trump, told reporters that he is still in contact with US officials and continues to provide them with information.
Source: Aljazeera
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