The World Health Organization (WHO) plans to reduce its budget by one-fifth in 2025 due to a $600 million funding gap following the United States’ decision to withdraw.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus revealed the drastic measures in an internal email to staff, obtained by AFP on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The cuts will shrink the agency’s workforce and global reach.
Tedros explained that the U.S., previously the WHO’s largest donor, triggered the shortfall. After reclaiming the White House in January, President Donald Trump initiated a one-year withdrawal process and froze nearly all U.S. foreign aid, including significant health support worldwide. “We have no choice but to start making cutbacks,” Tedros wrote.
The World Health Organization is proposing to reduce its workforce as it slashes its annual budget by just over one fifth due to the impact of US funding cuts, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters https://t.co/LQKXVqMKUL pic.twitter.com/wiTYxOxIIS
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 29, 2025WHO’s Financial Strain Worsens
Even before the U.S. pullout, the WHO faced financial challenges. Tedros noted that efficiency measures began over nine months ago. However, the situation worsened with the U.S. announcement and cuts in aid from other nations shifting funds to defence. “Dramatic reductions in official development assistance are disrupting countries, NGOs, and UN agencies, including WHO,” he said.
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The $600 million income gap in 2025 has forced tough decisions. “Despite substantial cost savings, economic and geopolitical conditions have made resource mobilization extremely difficult,” Tedros added. The WHO now must scale back its operations to cope with the loss.
The budget cuts threaten WHO’s ability to tackle global health crises. With the U.S. exit and reduced contributions from others, the agency’s programs—vital for disease prevention and healthcare support—face uncertainty. Tedros’ email signals a challenging year ahead as the organization adjusts to its new financial reality.
