In a move to ensure the World Health Organization (WHO) remains sustainable in the face of significant challenges, the organization has begun a process of prioritizing its work and has announced a one-year limit on employment contracts. This development comes after the United States’ decision to withdraw from the global health body, prompting a comprehensive review of its operations.
As revealed in an internal document dated March 10 and signed by Dr. Raoul Thomas, Assistant Director-General of the WHO, the organization is taking additional cost-cutting measures. This is part of an ongoing effort initiated after President Donald Trump announced the US’s withdrawal from the WHO in January. Over the past three weeks, senior officials have been engaged in a process of prioritizing tasks across different areas to secure the organization’s long-term viability.
According to the document, the WHO’s leadership is navigating a rapidly changing environment by reassessing and reprioritizing its plans. “This will ensure that all resources are directed towards the most pressing issues while maintaining the WHO’s ability to make a lasting impact,” the document states. Furthermore, WHO officials are working to secure additional funding from governments, private donors, and charitable organizations, though the document does not specify the success of these efforts.
While the document does not explicitly mention immediate staff reductions, it does acknowledge that “given the scale of the challenges we are facing, some tough decisions may be unavoidable.” The WHO’s efforts to adapt to its new reality underscore the significant impact of the US withdrawal, which has necessitated a thorough review of its operations and financial sustainability. As the global health community continues to grapple with the implications of this shift, the WHO remains committed to its mission of promoting health and well-being worldwide, even as it navigates these unprecedented challenges.