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.
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.
“It 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.
He also raised concerns about the WHO's reliance on private funding, citing potential conflicts of interest. Israel particularly cited Bloomberg Philanthropies, which was previously accused by Congress in the Philippines of intervening in local policies. At the Congressional inquiry on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) receipt of foreign money to fund the crafting of regulations for non-combustible alternatives to cigarettes, Congress had condemned the practice which gives private organizations influence over national policies through grants awarded to government agencies.
“The WHO can still fulfill its mandate of promoting health and safety while helping the vulnerable worldwide by actually extending medicines and vaccines to those that need them the most and not by engaging in endless debates on whether modern technologies such as smoke-free products should be banned or not,” said Israel.
He also criticized the upcoming WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Conference of the Parties (COP 11), claiming it would be a waste of funds and a platform for pushing a specific agenda.
He said the WHO directors will once again pressure countries to accept its prohibitionist dogma during the COP 11 without listening to the millions of consumers and stakeholders who are the most concerned.
Israel asked the WHO to set aside its bias and consider real-world evidence on the benefits of reduced-risk products rather than imposing broad restrictions that could hinder smokers from accessing safer alternatives.
The hiring analysis indicates that the majority of the new D2 positions are located at WHO's Geneva headquarters, the organization's most expensive location. Significant increases were also noted in other regions, including Africa.
The expansion occurs as the WHO faces a $ 175 million budget deficit for 2025, exacerbated by the United States' withdrawal of funding, which previously accounted for about 15 percent of the WHO's income.
In response, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced cost-cutting measures, including a hiring freeze, reductions in temporary staff and the formation of committees to assess further efficiencies. The WHO also implemented restrictions on contract extensions and offered early retirement options.
Critics contend that these measures disproportionately affect lower-level staff, while the number of high-ranking directors continues to grow. They suggest relocating staff to regional and country offices, reducing top-level positions, and implementing a merit-based human resources strategy. Concerns were also raised regarding the transparency of staff costs, as published salary figures do not include allowances and benefits.
The WHO's reliance on consultants has also increased, with contract numbers more than doubling since 2018. The report warned that this trend could lead to a loss of institutional knowledge and skills.
WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said that the organization is focused on "cost containment" and shifting resources to country-level programs.
Critics are calling for greater transparency in staff expenses and a "recalibration of the pyramid," emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness, with cost-cutting measures prioritized at the highest levels. The WHO has not provided specific comments regarding the increase in D2 positions and overall staffing costs.