The World Health Organization (WHO) is all set to reduce expenses and re-assess its focus areas following the announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the global health agency. This development was shared by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a memo to staff.

Trump announced the withdrawal on January 20, marking the start of his second presidential term. He accused the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health emergencies. This decision has brought significant financial challenges for the organization.

“This announcement has intensified our financial challenges,” Tedros wrote in a memo dated January 23. The WHO plans to implement measures such as reducing travel expenses and halting recruitment, except for essential positions, to manage costs. A WHO spokesperson later confirmed the details of the memo.

The United Nations has also confirmed that the United States’ withdrawal will take effect on January 22, 2026. As the largest financial contributor to the WHO, the U.S. provides around 18 percent of the organization’s total funding. For the 2024-2025 budget cycle, the WHO has an overall budget of USD6.8 billion.

The memo mentioned that WHO has already started reforming its funding structure. Member states have increased their mandatory contributions, and additional investments were initiated last year. However, more financial support is needed, together further cost reductions.

Planned cost-cutting measures include holding virtual meetings by default unless exceptional approval is granted, limiting the replacement of IT equipment, and postponing office renovations unless they are safety-related or pre-approved.

This is just the beginning, and more steps to be introduced in the coming weeks -- the memo one-line read. It emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting and safeguarding its staff. Tedros concluded the note by acknowledging the dedication of WHO employees: “As always, you make me proud to be WHO.”

Furthermore, Trump directed key officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the director of the Office of Management and Budget, to halt future funding, resources, or support from the U.S. government to the WHO. U.S. government personnel working with the WHO have been recalled, and their participation in negotiations for a WHO-led global treaty on pandemic response has been suspended.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified a memo from its Chief, Dr. Tedros Adhanom, but is staying tight-lipped about its memo. Despite confirming the memo's authenticity, the WHO has not shared its strategy for coping with the financial and logistical fallout from the US withdrawal.