UNITED NATIONS: The United States will officially leave the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026, following formal notification from President Donald Trump, the United Nations confirmed Thursday. The decision comes after Trump accused the organization of mismanaging global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement was made shortly after Trump was sworn in for his second presidential term. Under the 1948 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, the withdrawal requires a one-year notice and the payment of outstanding dues.
The U.S. is the WHO's largest financial contributor, accounting for approximately 18% of its funding. The organization’s latest two-year budget, covering 2024-2025, totals $6.8 billion. It remains unclear how much the U.S. owes in unpaid dues.
"We have now received the U.S. letter on the WHO withdrawal. It is dated January 22, 2025, and will take effect a year from that date," U.N. Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stated.
The decision is expected to significantly impact global health programs, particularly those addressing tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other critical health emergencies. Experts warn that the U.S. departure could undermine efforts to combat these issues and disrupt the organization’s overall operations.
President Trump’s withdrawal order also instructed the U.S. government to halt negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty and begin recalling personnel working with the agency. Plans are underway to identify alternative partners to assume roles previously carried out by the WHO.
This move echoes Trump’s previous attempt to exit the WHO during his first term in 2020. That withdrawal was halted by President Joe Biden upon taking office in January 2021.
The WHO expressed regret over the U.S. decision. As its top donor, the departure raises concerns about the future of global health initiatives heavily reliant on U.S. funding and support.
