Background on the World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for global public health. It sets norms and standards, promotes and monitors international health regulations, and assists in developing policies and programs aimed at achieving the highest attainable standard of health.
Budget Cuts and US Withdrawal
In January 2017, during the first day of Donald Trump’s presidency in the United States, the US announced its withdrawal from the WHO. This decision led to a significant reduction in funding for the organization, forcing it to implement cost-cutting measures.
WHO’s Cost-Cutting Measures
According to documents accessed by Reuters, the WHO plans to relocate four units and abandon certain tasks as part of its budget-cutting strategy. These measures aim to save up to $3.3 million annually, although there will be initial costs associated with the relocations.
- The WHO has already reduced its 2026-2027 budget by 21%, bringing it down to $4.2 billion.
- The organization has also halved its direct management team.
- There are plans to reduce some areas of work in WHO’s regional offices.
Impact on Employees
Since January, approximately 409 out of the WHO’s nearly 9,450 employees worldwide have left the organization due to natural attrition, non-renewed contracts, and voluntary early retirements.
In addition to global departures, the WHO anticipates reducing 600 positions in Geneva.
A WHO spokesperson stated that these relocations aim to make the agency more “agile and efficient” while preventing division fragmentation across multiple locations.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Why is the WHO implementing these changes?
A: The WHO is responding to a significant reduction in funding due to the US’s decision to withdraw from the organization.
- Q: How much will the WHO save annually from these changes?
A: The WHO expects to save up to $3.3 million annually from these relocations and cuts.
- Q: How many employees have left the WHO since January?
A: Approximately 409 employees have left the WHO since January due to natural attrition, non-renewed contracts, and voluntary early retirements.
- Q: What is the purpose of these relocations?
A: The WHO aims to become more “agile and efficient” while preventing division fragmentation across multiple locations.
