The World Health Organization is reducing its staff after a cut in American funding.
The World Health Organization announced today, Wednesday, April 23, a comprehensive restructuring plan that includes a reduction in the number of employees and leadership positions, following a significant decline in international funding, especially after the United States decided to halt its scheduled contributions.
The organization's Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated during a meeting with member states: "We faced a sudden drop in income, creating a significant gap in the salary budget, and we had to take tough measures to reduce our scope of work and workforce."
Tedros added that "the suspension of US contributions for 2024 and 2025, along with a decrease in development aid from other countries, will result in a budget deficit ranging from $560 to $650 million for the period 2026-2027."
Unprecedented Austerity Measures
The Director-General revealed a reform plan that includes reducing senior leadership positions from 12 to 7, reducing the number of departments from 76 to 34, in addition to the varying impact on all regional offices under the organization.
Tedros emphasized that "these decisions came after careful analysis and exhausting all alternatives, and we had no other choice."
However, he stressed that the organization "will continue to fulfill its core role in supporting member states, enhancing local resources, and maintaining health services despite the challenges."
Background of the Crisis
This announcement comes after months of the former US President Donald Trump's administration suspending US participation in the organization, as Trump signed an executive order in January criticizing the organization's performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and accusing it of "failing to work independently away from political pressures."
Commitment to Uphold the Mission Despite Challenges
Tedros concluded his speech by saying: "We have reached a pivotal point in our journey, but we have a long way to go to ensure our continuity and effectiveness." He expressed optimism about the organization's ability to overcome the crisis by strengthening international partnerships and streamlining spending.
