In response, the WHO is “freezing recruitment” and “drastically reducing travel spending” “except in the most critical areas”. All meetings must be completely virtual unless there are exceptional circumstances. Also, missions to provide technical support to the country should be “limited to the most critical ones.”
Other measures include limiting the replacement of IT equipment, renegotiating major contracts, and halting office renovations and capital investments unless necessary for security or cost reduction.
“This set of measures is not comprehensive and will be announced in due course,” the email added. “We would like to thank the staff who have already sent us suggestions to mobilize resources and further improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. We invite all staff to do the same.”
Global health consultant Fifa Rahman told Politico that budget cuts are a “massive target for an increasingly isolated United States,” leaving it more vulnerable to future outbreaks. “They already had a big problem with disinformation during the last pandemic. In the next one, without anyone needing a ton of luck,” she said.
Meanwhile, far-right Italian deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini said Thursday that he has proposed a law that would separate Italy from everyone. A spokesman for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she did not yet have a position, AFP reported.
This article has been updated.
