W.H.O PROPOSING TO CUT JOBS AND SLASH BUDGET BY A FIFTH – The memo says the suggested budget cut is more than 20%
The World Health Organization is proposing to cut staff, slash its budget and scale back its work due to the impact of U.S. funding cuts according to an internal memo.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration withdrew from the WHO upon taking office in January, saying the global health agency had mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.
The memo says the suggested budget cut is more than 20% which is slightly larger than the 18% the WHO receives from the U.S. which is by far its biggest financial backer. The health group also blamed its financial struggles on countries that have reduced development assistance to boost defense spending.
The memo also said it would reduce jobs at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and will decide on how to prioritize its work and resources by the end of April.
