The World Health Organisation (WHO) must cut its budget by one-fifth after the United States, its largest donor, decided to withdraw funding, according to an internal email from WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
The United Nations (UN) body faces a shortfall of nearly $600 million (€553 million) this year. “We have no choice but to make cuts,” wrote Tedros in the email sent to staff on Friday, which news agency AFP reviewed on Saturday.
Tedros had already stated in February that savings are necessary. Measures include a hiring freeze, a ban on non-essential travel, and renegotiation of supply contracts. “Drastic cuts to development aid by the US and other countries represent a huge disruption for countries, NGOs, and UN organisations, including the WHO,” he emphasised.
US President Donald Trump decided in January to withdraw his country from the WHO, which normally accounts for 16 to 18 per cent of the UN agency’s budget. The US withdrawal is set to become effective in 2026.
Trump had targeted the WHO during his first term, criticising its handling of the COVID-19 crisis and accusing it of being overly influenced by China. He also highlighted the disparity between US and Chinese contributions.
