The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending decades of participation and financial support for the global health body. The move marks a major shift in international public health cooperation and places added strain on the UN agency’s operations worldwide.
The withdrawal follows an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump last year. US officials cited concerns that the WHO mishandled the Covid-19 pandemic and was overly influenced by China during the global health crisis.
The US Department of Health and Human Services said the decision was based on what it described as the organization’s failure to enact meaningful reforms, political interference by member states, and alleged mismanagement during the pandemic response.
The WHO has firmly rejected these accusations. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the US decision represents a loss not only for global health efforts but also for American public health interests. He emphasized the organization’s role in combating polio, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality, and tobacco-related diseases.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, WHO member states negotiated a global pandemic treaty aimed at improving preparedness for future outbreaks. The agreement focuses on early warning systems, data sharing, and equitable access to vaccines and treatments. The treaty was finalized in April last year by all member states except the United States.
Historically, Washington has been one of the WHO’s largest financial contributors. However, the US has not paid its membership dues for 2024 and 2025, resulting in a funding gap that has already forced job cuts across the organization. WHO officials estimate unpaid US arrears at around $260 million.
While WHO legal advisors maintain that the US remains obligated to pay the outstanding amount, American officials have stated they see no justification for settling the dues following the withdrawal.
As part of the exit process, the US has ended all funding to the WHO, recalled American personnel and contractors from Geneva and regional offices, and suspended hundreds of joint programs and technical collaborations.
In a joint statement, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the WHO of straying from its original mission and acting against US national interests. The statement also referenced symbolic grievances, including the alleged failure to return the American flag displayed at WHO headquarters.
Going forward, US officials say engagement with the WHO will be limited strictly to administrative matters related to the withdrawal. At the same time, Washington plans to continue bilateral health partnerships with selected countries for disease surveillance and pathogen data sharing.
Global health initiatives such as polio eradication and HIV prevention are expected to continue through non-governmental organizations and faith-based groups, though specific funding mechanisms and partners have not yet been disclosed.
Following the withdrawal announcement, the WHO reiterated its hope that the United States would reconsider, noting that long-standing cooperation has saved millions of lives. The issue is scheduled to be discussed at the WHO executive board meeting from February 2 to 7.
