🔗 Share this article World Health Organization Confronts Major Staff Cuts After US Funding Pullout This international health organization revealed plans to cut its workforce by nearly a fourth – amounting to more than two thousand jobs – by mid-2026. Financial Crisis Triggers Major Restructuring The decision follows after the US, formerly the organization's largest contributor, withdrew funding previously this period. The US government was responsible for approximately 18% of the agency's total budget, causing a significant financial shortfall. Projected Staff Reductions Based on organizational projections, the workforce is expected to drop from nine thousand four hundred and one positions in early 2025 to approximately seven thousand and thirty by mid-2026. The decrease of two thousand three hundred and seventy-one posts includes job cuts, employees retiring, and regular attrition. "The past year has been among the toughest in our history, as we have navigated a painful but essential process of prioritization and realignment," stated the organization's leader. Financial Gap Persists This Geneva-based organization currently faces a funding gap of 1.06 billion dollars for the 2026-2027 period, representing almost a fourth of its required funding. This figure represents an reduction from a previous estimated shortfall of $1.7bn noted in spring. Excluded Finances These budget calculations exclude a further $1.1bn in expected funding from ongoing discussions with various donors. The representative for the organization stated that the present unsecured portion of the budget is in fact lower than in previous years, crediting this to multiple reasons: Reduced overall budget size The launch of a new fundraising campaign An increase in member states' required fees The realignment initiative is now approaching its completion, allowing the organization to progress with a renewed structure.