The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), a major shift in global health cooperation that took effect on January 22, 2026. The move ends Washington’s long-standing membership in the U.N. health agency and has drawn widespread attention and concern from health experts around the world.
Why the U.S. Left the WHO
President Donald Trump first announced plans to pull the U.S. out of the WHO on his first day back in office in 2025 through an executive order directing withdrawal. Under U.S. law, a formal exit requires one year’s notice, which was completed this week.
The Trump administration argued that the WHO had failed to manage global health threats effectively and had not provided value proportionate to what the U.S. contributes. A State Department spokesperson claimed that the cost of membership, including what the U.S. says it is owed in unpaid fees, outweighs the benefits.
Funding and Legal Issues
The U.S. has historically been WHO’s largest single donor, providing about 18 percent of the organization’s funding. However, before leaving, Washington acknowledged that it still owed approximately $260 million in dues for 2024 and 2025, funds it has not yet paid. Critics say failing to settle these debts violates U.S. law and could harm America’s credibility on global health issues.
What the Departure Means
Health officials worry that the U.S. exit could weaken global efforts to respond to disease outbreaks and other health emergencies. The WHO plays a key role in sharing information, setting health guidelines, and coordinating responses to epidemics and pandemics worldwide. Experts say that without U.S. participation, access to timely health data and influence over international decision-making could be reduced.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and others have called for a rethink, saying the departure is a loss for both the United States and global public health. They argue that cooperation through the WHO has historically helped combat deadly diseases such as smallpox and polio.
Global Reaction and Future Outlook
Some public health leaders believe that pulling out of the WHO could leave gaps in the world’s ability to monitor and manage serious health threats. There is also concern that countries with fewer resources may be hit hardest by reduced global cooperation.
While the U.S. departure marks a major change, it does not immediately stop all collaboration with the WHO. Health professionals and policymakers are now watching to see how both sides will work together on specific issues and whether a future return to full membership might be considered.
