WHO Faces Deep cuts Amidst Reorganization, Sparking Staff Concerns
GENEVA – The World Health Institution (WHO) is on the cusp of a major reorganization and cost-cutting plan developed in partnership with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Archyde.com has learned. The plan, slated for presentation to staff and member states next week, comes amid growing concerns over a looming $2.5 billion budget gap between 2025 and 2027.
according to sources within the WHO staff Association Committee, BCG has been instrumental in crafting the strategic plan that envisions meaningful workforce reductions. The cuts are in direct response to the WHO’s financial challenges, compounded by the United States’ withdrawal from the organization in January. The U.S. exit created an immediate $600 million shortfall for 2025 alone.
The WHO Staff Association addressed members at an open house this week, during which they discussed the implications of the reorganization. The exact value of the contract with BCG remains undisclosed,but sources suggest the sum is in the millions. A WHO spokesperson declined to comment on the contract details, citing the Easter holiday closure. BCG has not yet responded to requests for comment.Gates Foundation Funding Fuels Restructuring
The engagement of BCG is being financed by a dedicated grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, according to WHO Human Resources officials who spoke to Staff Association leaders. Catherine Kirorei Corsini, President of the WHO Staff Association, clarified that the funds are specifically earmarked for restructuring and cannot be diverted to other areas. She added that WHO HR officials assured the Staff Association that the hiring process followed established protocols, including a bidding process and review committee.While WHO leadership insists on openness and due process, the move is raising eyebrows internally, with some employees questioning the allocation of significant funds to external consultants during a period of austerity.
One anonymous WHO staff member questioned the need for external consultants,saying,”If you spend $6 million on a big consulting firm,then you have to let 20 people or more go.The money is spent in a matter of weeks, not in a whole year.”
Reorganization Details Emerge
A final draft of the reorganization plan is expected to be presented to WHO staff at a town hall next week, with a subsequent presentation to member states. The proposed changes are rumored to include halving the number of divisions and directors at the agency’s Geneva headquarters.
However, sources indicate that WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros adhanom Ghebreyesus recently presented his own version of the plan to senior management, differing significantly from earlier drafts. This has sparked concerns that the final plan may deviate from the cost-cutting objectives and possibly increase the number of departments and directors due to pressure from senior managers.
An Archyde.com inquiry published on March 10 revealed that the number of senior directors at the WHO has nearly doubled as 2017, costing the organization approximately $92 million annually in salaries and related expenses.
Opportunities or “Parachutes”?
As the reorganization looms, senior leadership is reportedly offering some directors facing potential cuts the chance to serve as WHO representatives in various countries. an email from HRT to senior management highlighted opportunities in more than two dozen WHO offices across Africa,the Middle East,europe,asia,and the Caribbean. Critics have questioned whether these high-paying positions are simply a way to soften the blow of the cuts and prevent additional internal opposition.
The situation underscores the challenges facing the WHO as it grapples with budget constraints and the need to streamline operations.The coming weeks will be critical as staff and member states scrutinize the proposed reorganization and its potential impact on the organization’s global health mission.
