In a letter sent to staff and sighted by Journalists, the Organisation’s Chief, Tedros Ghebreyesus said the agency was halting recruitment, except in the most critical areas, and was dramatically cutting back on travel expenditures.
He wrote that all meetings must be fully virtual by default unless exceptional approval is sought and granted, adding technical support missions should be limited to the most essential.
Read Also: Trump signs order to pull US from WHO
President Donald Trump had on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the WHO, a body he has repeatedly criticised over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tedros said the announcement has made the financial situation more acute, saying they know it has created significant concern and uncertainty for the WHO workforce.
He further said they are reviewing which activities to prioritise with a reduced resource envelope.
Tedros stressed that the UN health agency hoped the new administration would reconsider its decision, noting they were open to dialogue on preserving the relationship.