WEB DESK: The United States has officially ended its 78-year membership with the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a historic departure from the global health institution. This move comes a year after President Donald Trump announced plans to sever ties with the organization.
The withdrawal process began in 2025 when Trump, upon assuming office, signed an executive order formally notifying the UN health agency of the US’s intent to withdraw. Adhering to international rules, a one-year notice period was observed before the decision became effective.
President Trump defended the withdrawal by accusing the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health emergencies. He also criticized the organization for placing what he considered excessive financial burdens on the United States. In a statement issued on Thursday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. emphasized that the move would “free the country from restrictive obligations” tied to its membership in the WHO.
Despite the formal exit, unresolved issues linger. The WHO has reported that the United States still owes over $130 million in unpaid membership fees, a matter that remains under debate. The financial liabilities and broader implications of the US’s decision will be key topics of discussion at an upcoming WHO executive board meeting scheduled for February.
The fallout from the US withdrawal includes heightened concerns over losing access to critical global health data, which has historically provided early warnings about potential pandemics. Over the past few months, numerous global health experts, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have appealed to US leaders to reconsider. Ghebreyesus recently described the departure as a significant blow to both national and international health efforts, urging the United States to reengage with the organization.
This decision has raised alarm among public health experts about its repercussions on global health security. As the largest financial contributor to the WHO prior to its exit, the United States played a pivotal role in addressing major health crises such as Ebola, polio, and mpox. The organization has relied heavily on US support for providing technical expertise, facilitating vaccine distribution in low-income regions, and developing global health guidelines on issues ranging from mental health care to cancer prevention.
Many experts warn that without US participation and leadership, both the WHO and the global community will face reduced capacity to combat future health threats effectively. The withdrawal comes at a critical juncture when international collaboration is crucial to addressing persistent and emerging health challenges worldwide.
