WHO faces scrutiny for hiring senior directors despite budget crunch

The World Health Organization (WHO) is facing scrutiny for expanding its senior director ranks in Geneva, raising concerns about the allocation of limited resources. Critics argue that this diverts funds from crucial public health initiatives, particularly as the organization grapples with a budget deficit.

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Data analysis reveals that the number of D2-level directors, a high-ranking position below the Director-General’s senior team, has risen significantly to 75 by July 2024 from 39 in July 2017, according to a Health Policy Watch analysis of WHO human resources data.

The combined cost of these senior positions, including the Director-General’s team, is estimated at $92 million, potentially reaching $130 million when including P6-level staff with similar management responsibilities.

The Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines (NCUP) criticized the WHO’s spending priorities.

“Tt is time for the WHO to refocus on its mandate of improving public health, instead of spending its resources on highly-paid officials who support their dogmatism, such as alienating the hundreds of millions of smokers who deserve less harmful alternatives. With the US withdrawing its support from the WHO, hiring more executives is unjustifiable,” said NCUP president Anton Israel.