The World Health Organisation (WHO) is taking drastic steps to address a financial crisis following the United States’ decision to withdraw its membership.
WHO Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus announced in an internal memo Thursday that the agency would reduce travel expenses, freeze recruitment, and review key health programmes to offset the loss of funding.
“The US withdrawal has made our financial situation more acute,” Ghebreyesus wrote, acknowledging the immediate impact of the decision. While WHO has already reformed its operations and funding mechanisms, including increasing member states’ contributions, more severe measures are now necessary.
“The organisation will shift meetings to virtual formats by default, limit the replacement of IT equipment, and suspend office refurbishments unless related to safety or previously approved cost-saving initiatives. “This is only the beginning, and further cost-cutting steps will be revealed in the coming weeks,” the memo states.
The US exit, triggered by President Trump’s criticism of the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, is a significant blow to the agency, which has historically relied on American support. “We hope the United States will reconsider,” WHO said, stressing its longstanding partnership with the US in addressing global health crises.
Despite the setback, the WHO remains hopeful for a constructive dialogue with the US to preserve their collaboration, which has played a key role in fighting disease outbreaks worldwide.
