Document: WHO leader will reduce expenses and refocus objectives following US withdrawal

Following President Donald Trump’s announcement that the United States will withdraw from the World Health Organization, the organization’s chief informed workers in an internal memo seen by Reuters that the organization would reduce expenses and reevaluate which health projects to prioritize.

Trump accused the U.N. health agency of mishandling the COVID-19 epidemic and other global health issues on Monday, the first day of his second term in office.

In the memo dated January 23, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “This announcement has made our financial situation more acute….” It stated that as part of cost-cutting efforts, the WHO intended to drastically cut travel expenses and stop hiring, with the exception of crucial sectors.

A WHO representative acknowledged the authenticity of the document, which was initially published by Reuters, but refrained from providing more commentary.

The United States was scheduled to leave the WHO on January 22, 2026, after a one-year notice period mandated by a 1948 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, the UN said Thursday. Additionally, the agreement stipulates that Washington must settle its debts to the WHO before to leaving.

With over 18% of the WHO’s total financing, the US is by far its largest financial supporter. The most current two-year budget for WHO was $6.8 billion for 2024–2025.

WHO spokeswoman Christian Lindmeier told a U.N. briefing in Geneva on Friday that the United States already owes the WHO around $130 million in membership fees that were due in January 2024, a year ago, but he noted that the delay was not unusual.

“We also have not received the 2025 assessment, the membership fee, which would have been due now,” he stated. He stated that voluntary fees designated for certain projects are also included in the U.S. contribution to WHO and that these payments may be discontinued at any moment.

According to the document, the WHO has already made efforts to restructure the organization and alter its funding model, with member nations raising their required fees and making contributions to the investment round that was started last year.

However, it stated that cost reductions and additional funds will be required at the same time. This would entail restricting the replacement of IT equipment, making all meetings virtual by default without special permission, and halting office renovations unless they are necessary for safety or pre-approved cost-cutting.

“This set of measures is not comprehensive, and more will be announced in due course,” the email said, adding that the WHO, which is located in Geneva, will take all necessary assistance to safeguard employees.

“As always, you make me proud to be WHO,” concludes the paper.