Here’s a rewritten version of the article, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and highlighting key information:
WHO Reorganization Plan, Developed with Boston Consulting group, Faces Staff Scrutiny Amid Budget Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) is on the verge of a major reorganization and cost-saving plan, developed in consultation with the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). the plan, slated for presentation to staff and member states next week, comes amid a meaningful budget shortfall of $2.5 billion projected for 2025-2027, including a $600 million gap in 2025. This financial strain follows the United States’ withdrawal as WHO’s largest donor.
WHO’s Staff Association Committee confirmed BCG’s involvement in the strategic planning for workforce cutbacks.While the exact amount of the BCG contract remains undisclosed, sources suggest it is indeed worth several million dollars. A WHO spokesperson confirmed that funds were earmarked for restructuring support.
According to staff Association leaders, the consultancy’s costs are covered by a dedicated grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. Staff Association President Catherine Kirorei Corsini emphasized that thes earmarked funds cannot be used for other purposes and that WHO HR officials assured the Association that a due process was followed in hiring BCG.
Despite these assurances, some WHO staff members have expressed concerns about awarding large consultancy grants to private firms during a budget crisis. One staff member noted that previous plans laid by outside consultants during WHO’s 2019 “Transformation” contributed to the current financial difficulties. The sentiment is that the organization’s internal expertise should be sufficient for reorganization, and that consultancy fees could be better used to retain staff.
The final version of the reorganization proposal is expected to be presented to staff next week. Proposed changes include a reduction in the number of departments at headquarters from nearly 60 to around 32, possibly leading to a decrease in the number of high-cost directors. Some headquarters functions may also be moved to lower-cost regional offices.
[Embedded content: EXCLUSIVE: WHO Poised to Halve Divisions and Directors at Geneva Headquarters in Response to Budget Emergency]
However, there are reports that WHO Director general dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has presented his own plan with variations, raising concerns that the number of departments and directors could increase again due to pressure from senior management. A previous Health Policy watch investigation revealed that the number of senior directors had nearly doubled since 2017, costing the organization approximately $92 million annually.
Adding to the complexity, senior leadership is reportedly offering some directors facing cuts positions as WHO representatives in country offices, including some in challenging locations.
The Staff Association is now engaged in some aspects of the restructure planning, after initially being left in the dark. Jerome Zanga Foe, a Staff Association vice president, emphasized the need for staff involvement at all levels of the organization, not just updates after decisions are made.
The core issues at stake are transparency, efficient management structures, and prioritizing internal staff talent during a period of significant financial constraint.
