WHO to Reduce Expenses and Prioritize Health Initiatives Following U.S. Withdrawal Announcement
The World Health Organization intends to implement cost-saving measures and prioritize programs after the U.S. declared its intention to leave in 2026.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to implement cost-saving measures and reevaluate its priorities due to the United States' decision to withdraw from the organization.
This decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on January 23, 2023, where he criticized the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health issues.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notified staff about the decision in an internal memo, emphasizing the financial implications of the U.S. departure.
The U.S. accounts for about 18% of the WHO's funding, making it the largest financial supporter of the organization. The withdrawal will be effective in January 2026, after a one-year notice as required by a 1948 U.S. congressional mandate.
Currently, the U.S. owes approximately $130 million in membership fees, originally due in January 2024. Additionally, the 2025 assessment has not been paid, and there are concerns that voluntary contributions for specific programs might cease. To alleviate financial pressure, the WHO intends to cut travel costs, suspend non-essential hiring, and introduce other cost-saving strategies, such as holding virtual meetings by default, limiting IT equipment replacements, and postponing office refurbishments unless they relate to safety or have been pre-approved. Despite these financial hurdles, the WHO has been working on reforms to its funding model, with increased contributions from member states and an investment initiative launched in 2023. Nevertheless, the organization recognizes that further funding will be necessary, and more cost-reduction steps might follow.
The WHO remains dedicated to supporting its staff during this challenging financial period.
This decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement on January 23, 2023, where he criticized the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health issues.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus notified staff about the decision in an internal memo, emphasizing the financial implications of the U.S. departure.
The U.S. accounts for about 18% of the WHO's funding, making it the largest financial supporter of the organization. The withdrawal will be effective in January 2026, after a one-year notice as required by a 1948 U.S. congressional mandate.
Currently, the U.S. owes approximately $130 million in membership fees, originally due in January 2024. Additionally, the 2025 assessment has not been paid, and there are concerns that voluntary contributions for specific programs might cease. To alleviate financial pressure, the WHO intends to cut travel costs, suspend non-essential hiring, and introduce other cost-saving strategies, such as holding virtual meetings by default, limiting IT equipment replacements, and postponing office refurbishments unless they relate to safety or have been pre-approved. Despite these financial hurdles, the WHO has been working on reforms to its funding model, with increased contributions from member states and an investment initiative launched in 2023. Nevertheless, the organization recognizes that further funding will be necessary, and more cost-reduction steps might follow.
The WHO remains dedicated to supporting its staff during this challenging financial period.