Date: January 23, 2026
The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), delivering a major blow to the United Nations health agency, which has long counted the U.S. as one of its largest financial contributors.
The withdrawal follows an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump last year, initiating the formal process to exit the global health body. The decision was based on allegations that the WHO was overly influenced by China during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said the move was prompted by what it described as the WHO’s mishandling of the pandemic, failure to carry out meaningful reforms, and vulnerability to political pressure from certain member states.
“The WHO failed to act independently and transparently during a critical global health crisis,” U.S. officials said, adding that American taxpayers should not continue funding an organization they believe does not serve U.S. interests or global accountability.
The United States had been one of the WHO’s top donors, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to support global disease surveillance, vaccination programs, and emergency health responses.
Health experts and international leaders have warned that the U.S. exit could significantly weaken global health funding and coordination, particularly in low-income and conflict-affected countries that rely heavily on WHO-supported programs.
The withdrawal is expected to reshape international health cooperation and may lead to funding gaps in key global health initiatives, raising concerns about preparedness for future pandemics and health emergencies.
The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization follows a year-long process launched by President Donald Trump in early 2025, citing concerns over the agency’s handling of COVID-19, alleged political influence by China, and a lack of institutional reforms. The decision formally ends U.S. participation after a required one-year notice period.
The United States has historically been the WHO’s largest donor, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually and accounting for roughly 18 percent of the agency’s budget. U.S. officials say the funding burden was unfair, while critics argue the exit will weaken global disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness.
This marks the second time the Trump administration has moved to leave the WHO, after a similar attempt in 2020 that was reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021. The WHO has expressed regret over the decision, warning that the move could undermine coordinated international responses to future health emergencies.
Nile Gazette
