WHO Plans major overhaul to tackle budget crisis, cut HQ roles by 40%

SWITZERLAND – The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing for one of the most sweeping internal restructurings in its history.

The Geneva-based organization aims to slash the number of program divisions from 10 to five, and cut headquarters leadership positions by over 60% in response to a looming US $600 million budget deficit for 2025.

According to documents reviewed by Health Policy Watch, WHO’s executive management group discussed the emergency reorganization plan at a closed-door retreat on Saturday.

The proposal, which will be presented to member states this week, suggests reducing Geneva-based staff by around 40% — from more than 2,600 to approximately 1,400–1,500 employees — with many roles relocated or eliminated entirely.

Key elements of the proposal include relocating major departments from Geneva to WHO’s regional offices, where operational costs are significantly lower.

WHO’s entire polio division could be moved to its Eastern Mediterranean office in Cairo, while its Traditional Medicine Department might be shifted to India, a global leader in the field.

The restructuring would reduce the number of departments from nearly 60 to about 32, and the number of D1 and D2 directors at HQ from around 80 to roughly 30.

Currently, high-level leadership at WHO costs the organization nearly US $100 million per year, Health Policy Watch previously reported.

This leaner structure draws inspiration from the model left by former Director General Dr. Margaret Chan, who maintained a five-division setup during her tenure.

In contrast, current Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus significantly expanded the agency’s divisions and staff during his “Transformation” initiative, aimed at decentralization and modernizing functions like digital health and AI.

The proposed structure will center around five core “P” pillars: Perform, Power, Promote, Provide, and Protect — encompassing everything from emergencies to environmental health and medical innovation.

However, observers say even these bold reforms may not be enough to plug the financial gap. WHO also faces a staggering US $1.9 billion shortfall for 2026–2027, fueled by the U.S. decision to withdraw its funding commitment starting January.

The final reorganization plan will be presented to WHO member states on Tuesday.