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The international health agency disclosed intentions to cut its staff by nearly a quarter – amounting to over two thousand jobs – before mid-2026.

Financial Crisis Prompts Major Reorganization

The decision follows following the US, previously the organization's largest contributor, pulled out financial support previously this year.

Washington was responsible for about 18% of the agency's total funding, causing a substantial financial gap.

Expected Workforce Cuts

Based on internal projections, the workforce will decrease from 9,401 positions in early 2025 to around seven thousand and thirty by mid-2026.

This decrease of 2,371 positions comprises staff reductions, employees retiring, and natural departures.

"This year was one of the toughest in our history, as we undertook a challenging but necessary journey of prioritization and realignment," stated the organization's leader.

Financial Gap Persists

The Geneva-based body now faces a budget shortfall of 1.06 billion dollars for the upcoming period, amounting to almost a quarter of its total funding.

The amount represents an reduction from a previous estimated shortfall of $1.7bn reported in May.

Excluded Finances

The financial calculations do not include an additional $1.1bn in expected contributions from ongoing negotiations with multiple contributors.

A representative for the agency stated that the current unfunded portion of the budget is in fact smaller than in previous periods, attributing this to several reasons:

• Reduced overall budget size
• The launch of a new fundraising effort
• An increase in participating countries' required contributions

The restructuring initiative is now nearing its completion, paving the way for the organization to move forward with a reshaped structure.