WORLD (Enmaeya News) - November 27, 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) plans to cut more than 2,000 jobs, raising concerns among experts that the move could weaken the global response to disease outbreaks and other health emergencies.
The WHO, dealing with budget shortfalls following the United States’ withdrawal earlier this year, announced it expects to eliminate 2,371 positions by June 2026, nearly a quarter of its workforce.
The Geneva headquarters will bear the largest share of the cuts, losing 805 posts, while the African regional office is set to lose 638 of its 2,541 positions.
According to The Guardian, experts noted that the cuts, particularly in Africa, could impact disease surveillance, emergency response, and supply chain management.
The organization said about half of the reductions will occur through natural attrition, such as retirements, with the remainder through position eliminations.
Senior roles will drop from 65 to 38, while entry-level positions will decrease by 37%, according to WHO documents.
Without adequate funding and staffing, the WHO may struggle to respond to future global health crises, leaving the world more vulnerable to disease outbreaks and emergencies.
