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WHO chief to cut costs, reset priorities after US exit, document shows

WHO chief to cut costs, reset priorities after US exit, document shows

The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to implement significant budget cuts and reassess its health initiatives following the announcement of the United States’ withdrawal from the organization. This decision was communicated by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in an internal memo dated January 23, 2025, which was reviewed by Reuters.

Key points from the memo indicate that the WHO will focus on reducing travel expenses and suspending hiring as part of its cost-saving measures. The U.S. has been the largest financial contributor to the WHO, accounting for approximately 18% of its total funding, which poses a substantial financial challenge for the organization after its exit, scheduled for January 22, 2026.

In light of these developments, the WHO is expected to prioritize certain health programs over others to adapt to its new financial reality. The organization’s budget for the 2024-2025 period stands at $6.8 billion, highlighting the scale of adjustments needed in response to the U.S. withdrawal.