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WHO Plans 25% Workforce Cut Amid Budget Crisis

11/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

World Health Organization (WHO) plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 25% by mid-2026, with staff dropping from 9,401 to about 7,030.
The move follows the departure of its largest donor, the United States, under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described 2025 as challenging and urged prioritization.
The WHO also faces a budget shortfall of $1.06 billion for 2026-2027, down from $1.7 billion earlier.

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Story summary

World Health Organization (WHO) plans to reduce its workforce by nearly 25% by mid-2026, with staff dropping from 9,401 to about 7,030.
The move follows the departure of its largest donor, the United States, under U.S. President Donald Trump.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described 2025 as challenging and urged prioritization.
The WHO also faces a budget shortfall of $1.06 billion for 2026-2027, down from $1.7 billion earlier.