WHO to Cut 2,000 Jobs Globally by June 2026 After US Withdraws Funding
New Delhi, Nov 20 (TheTrendingPeople) — The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing for one of the largest staffing cuts in its history, with 2,000 jobs—22% of its global workforce—set to be eliminated by June 2026. The move comes after the United States, previously the agency’s biggest financial contributor, withdrew all funding following President Donald Trump’s return to office.
The WHO revealed the figures in a Member States Briefing document, outlining a major restructuring plan triggered by the sudden financial crisis.
US Funding Halt Sparks Global Workforce Reduction
Until January 2025, the United States contributed approximately 18% of WHO’s total funding, making it the agency’s single largest donor. However, on January 20, shortly after the new administration took charge, the US halted all financial support to the UN health agency.
The immediate funding freeze forced the WHO to:
- Cut its management team by 50%
- Scale back multiple ongoing health programmes
- Freeze hiring and halt most travel initiatives
- Begin the process of reducing thousands of staff positions worldwide
From 9,401 employees in January 2025, the WHO workforce will shrink by 2,371 positions in the next 18 months. Some departures will come from layoffs, while others will be due to retirement or non-renewal of contracts.
Region-Wise Impact: Africa, Europe Hit Hardest
According to the internal document, the staffing cuts will vary across regions:
| Region | Expected Workforce Reduction |
|---|---|
| Geneva HQ | 28% |
| Africa Region | 25% |
| Europe Region | 24% |
| Southeast Asia Region | 14% |
| Eastern Mediterranean Region | 14% |
| Western Pacific Region | 7% |
Notably, these figures exclude temporary staff and consultants, many of whom have already been terminated as part of the financial restructuring.
$1.06 Billion Funding Gap Still Remains
Despite drastic cost-saving measures, the WHO continues to face a $1.06 billion shortfall in its 2026–2027 budget — nearly one-quarter of its total funding requirement.
The funding gap, however, has narrowed from $1.7 billion reported in May 2025, thanks to new savings and emergency measures.
Key cost reductions in 2025 include:
- 50% cut in travel expenses by the end of October
- Decreased procurement spending
- Tighter control on operational and administrative budgets
WHO: Core Technical Functions Being Protected
The WHO said its restructuring efforts aim to protect essential public health capabilities, including:
- Disease surveillance
- Emergency response
- Outbreak investigation
- Technical guidance for member nations
However, given the scale of the deficit, several routine programmes, regional initiatives, and support functions are expected to be scaled down.
The agency also noted that its 2026 workforce will be slightly younger, with 51% of staff aged 30–49, compared to 49% previously.
Historical Context: Not the First Clash Between WHO and US
The relationship between WHO and the US has faced turbulence before. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Trump administration similarly withdrew funding, citing concerns over transparency and management. Funding was later restored under President Joe Biden.
This time, however, the financial withdrawal has come amid a much broader restructuring at the WHO, making the impact significantly deeper and longer-lasting.
Global Impact: What This Means for Health Programmes
The WHO plays a crucial global role in:
- Vaccination campaigns
- Disease outbreak management
- Public health research
- Maternal and child health initiatives
- Emergency medical response in conflict zones
A 22% cut in workforce could slow progress on global health priorities, especially in low-income regions dependent on WHO-supported programmes.
Public health experts have expressed concern that cuts may weaken surveillance of infectious diseases, hamper emergency response time, and widen global health inequalities.
The WHO’s looming workforce reduction is poised to reshape global public health operations at a critical moment. As the organization navigates funding gaps and operational strain, the world watches closely—recognizing that the impact of these cuts will extend far beyond Geneva, affecting millions who rely on the agency’s support.