Huge cuts to staff at WHO will leave world less healthy and less safe', experts warn

"WHO staffing cuts are a regrettable but inevitable outcome of US withdrawal and lower-than-hoped-for contributions by other countries. The loss of expertise will leave the world less healthy and less safe. Now, more than ever, WHO needs a clear, strategic vision to navigate its new fiscal reality. Instead, these cuts are aimed at global and Africa-based staff, at a time when WHO should be doubling down on its global work such as coordinating responses to pandemics and other health threats"

"The highest number of cuts 805 posts will be in the WHO's Geneva-based headquarters. Dr Githinji Gitahi, the chief executive of Amref Health Africa, said although the cuts were expected, it is rapid in nature, and with little transition planning. With these cuts, certain functions, especially disease surveillance, supply chain management and emergency response will inevitably be impacted. African governments are going to have to lift more weight than before, he said."

WHO expects to lose 2,371 posts—nearly a quarter of its 9,401 workforce—by June 2026 amid budget cuts following the US withdrawal and weaker donor contributions. The largest reductions will hit Geneva headquarters (805 posts) and the African regional office (638 of 2,541 posts). Cuts are focused on global and Africa-based roles, jeopardising disease surveillance, supply chain management and emergency response. Rapid implementation reportedly lacks transition planning. The loss of expertise will weaken WHO capacity to coordinate pandemic responses and to provide essential support to the poorest nations, increasing burdens on African governments.

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