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The global health agency disclosed intentions to reduce its workforce by almost a quarter – totaling more than two thousand positions – before mid-2026.

Funding Crisis Triggers Major Reorganization

The move comes following the US, previously the organization's biggest contributor, withdrew financial support previously this year.

The US government had been responsible for approximately 18% of the agency's overall funding, creating a significant budgetary gap.

Expected Workforce Reductions

Based on internal projections, the staff will decrease from 9,401 positions in January 2025 to approximately seven thousand and thirty by June 2026.

This decrease of 2,371 posts comprises staff reductions, employees retiring, and natural attrition.

"This year was one of the toughest in our history, while we undertook a challenging but essential journey of prioritisation and restructuring," stated the organization's leader.

Budget Gap Persists

This Geneva-based body currently confronts a budget gap of $1.06bn for the 2026-2027 biennium, representing almost a fourth of its total funding.

This amount marks an improvement from a prior estimated shortfall of $1.7bn reported in May.

Not Included Funding

The financial calculations exclude an additional $1.1bn in potential funding from current negotiations with various contributors.

A representative for the organization noted that the current unfunded portion of the budget is actually lower than in previous periods, attributing this to multiple reasons:

• A smaller total budget
• The launch of a fresh donor outreach effort
• An increase in member states' required fees

This restructuring initiative is now nearing its completion, allowing the organization to move forward with a renewed structure.