By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
The World Health Organization is gearing up for a period of organizational change as it faces urgent financial pressures that threaten its ability to deliver global health services.
In his opening address at the 42nd Programme, Budget and Administration Committee (PBAC) meeting , WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus laid out the scope of the organization’s current struggles and the strategic steps being taken to adapt.
Dr. Tedros revealed that the proposed budget for 2026-2027 has been reduced to US$4.2 billion a sharp decline from the initial US$5.3 billion. This reduction is a response to declining funding streams, notably a decrease in contributions from the United States and other donor countries.
“Our current financial situation is challenging,” he acknowledged, “and it compels us to make difficult but necessary decisions to ensure the sustainability of WHO’s work,” he stated.
A key consequence of these financial pressures is a planned 25% reduction in salary expenditures, which will lead to the termination of many staff contracts.
The Director-General emphasized the impact: “This means careers will be interrupted and lives disrupted. We are doing everything possible to support our colleagues through this transition.”
To streamline operations, WHO is undertaking a major organizational overhaul. The number of departments is being cut from 76 to 34, and senior management is being reduced from 14 to just 7. These structural changes aim to improve efficiency and focus resources on core functions vital to global health.
Despite these reductions, WHO has already secured approximately US$2.6 billion through the Investment Round, covering about 60% of the upcoming biennium’s funding needs. However, a gap of over US$1.7 billion remains, posing a challenge for the organization’s capacity to meet the health needs of over 150 countries.
Dr. Tedros urged Member States to support efforts to mobilize additional resources, including upcoming investment events.
“We cannot do everything, but we can do what is most essential. Our organization must be lean, focused, and resilient to continue serving those who need us most,” he said.
The address also highlighted ongoing negotiations for a groundbreaking Pandemic Agreement, demonstrating WHO’s commitment to multilateral cooperation amid these internal challenges.
“Even in divided times, countries can find common ground,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts.
As WHO implements these urgent reforms, leadership is calling on Member States to prioritize support for its core functions and to understand the tough choices necessary to sustain its vital work. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape WHO’s ability to respond to future crises and protect vulnerable populations worldwide.