Overview
- The organization told member states it expects to shed 2,371 posts by June 2026 from a January 2025 workforce of 9,401, a reduction of up to 22% depending on vacancies filled.
- Slides show a $1.06 billion shortfall in the 2026–2027 budget, narrowed from $1.7 billion in May after a smaller overall plan, active fundraising, and higher assessed dues.
- The retrenchment follows Washington’s halt of WHO financing under President Donald Trump, with the U.S. previously providing about 18% of overall funding.
- Cuts are steepest at Geneva headquarters at about 28%, with expected reductions of roughly 25% in Africa, 24% in Europe, 14% in Southeast Asia and Eastern Mediterranean, and 7% in the Western Pacific.
- The projection covers permanent posts and excludes many temporary staff and consultants, who reports say have already been made redundant.