The World Health Organization (WHO) announced plans to cut costs and reassess health program priorities following the withdrawal of the United States from the agency. This decision was communicated in an internal memo by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, dated January 23, 2025.
President Donald Trump declared the US withdrawal on the first day of his second term, citing the WHO's mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic as the reason. The memo indicated that the financial implications of this announcement have intensified the agency's budgetary challenges.
As part of its cost-saving measures, the WHO intends to significantly reduce travel expenditures and freeze recruitment, except for essential roles. These actions are aimed at addressing the financial strain caused by the US exit.