(CLO) The World Health Organization (WHO) is planning to cut costs and reassess priority health programs after President Donald Trump announced the US withdrawal from the organization.
In an internal memo dated January 23, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern about the organization's financial situation. He asserted that the announcement from the US side has left the WHO facing an even more urgent financial challenge.
Tedros said the WHO would implement cost-saving measures such as cutting travel expenses, halting recruitment except for essential positions, and shifting meetings to online formats to reduce costs.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Photo: Facebook/DrTedros.Official
Earlier on his first day in office for his second term on January 20, Trump announced the decision to withdraw the United States from the WHO. He criticized the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises.
The United Nations has confirmed that the United States will officially withdraw from the WHO on January 22, 2026. As the largest donor, the US contributes approximately 18% of the WHO's budget. The organization's budget for the period 2024-2025 is projected to reach $6.8 billion.
The memorandum also noted that WHO has been working on reforms, including increasing mandatory contributions from member states and launching a new round of investment.
However, additional funding remains necessary, and the organization will continue to cut costs, such as limiting IT equipment replacements and suspending office renovation projects, unless approved for safety or cost-saving reasons.
The memorandum states that "This set of measures is not exhaustive and more measures will be announced in the future," and adds that WHO will do everything possible to support and protect staff in this challenging situation.
Hoai Phuong (according to WHO, Reuters, CNN)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/who-se-phai-lam-gi-sau-tuyen-bo-rut-lui-cua-my-post331860.html
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