WHO plans cost-cutting measures following U.S. withdrawal

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Credit: PBS

The World Health Organization (WHO) will implement cost-cutting strategies and reassess health program priorities after the United States announced its withdrawal.

U.S. President Donald Trump formalized the exit on the first day of his second term, citing alleged mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises by the global health agency.

“This announcement has made our financial situation more acute,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote in a staff memo dated January 23. As part of the agency’s response, he outlined plans to reduce travel expenses and freeze recruitment to mitigate financial strain.

A WHO spokesperson confirmed the authenticity of the memo but declined to provide additional details.

The United Nations verified on Thursday that the U.S. is scheduled to officially withdraw from the WHO on January 22, 2026.

US remains the organization’s largest financial contributor, as it accounts for approximately 18% of its total funding.

The WHO’s current two-year budget for 2024-2025 is $6.8 billion, making the impending financial gap a significant challenge for the agency.

In light of this development, the WHO is expected to review its operations and prioritize programs to maintain its global health initiatives.

This withdrawal marks a major shift for the WHO, which has relied heavily on U.S. support to combat global health emergencies and promote public health worldwide.

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