United States Completes Withdrawal From World Health Organization

The United States has formally exited the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the completion of a year-long withdrawal process initiated by President Donald Trump.

The decision was confirmed on Thursday by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) alongside the U.S. Department of State, exactly one year after Trump signed an executive order triggering the country’s departure from the global health body.

U.S. officials said the move was driven by longstanding concerns about the WHO’s leadership and priorities. A senior HHS official accused the organization of drifting away from its original mandate and acting in ways that conflicted with U.S. interests in safeguarding public health.

Much of the criticism centered on the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the HHS, the agency was slow to declare the outbreak a global health emergency and unfairly criticized early U.S. measures, including travel restrictions imposed at the start of the pandemic.

The U.S. government also raised concerns about funding and influence within the organization, arguing that America contributed significantly more financially than some countries, including China, while never having had an American serve as WHO director-general.

The withdrawal has drawn sharp criticism from public health experts, who warn that leaving the WHO could weaken the United States’ ability to respond to infectious disease threats.

Ronald Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, described the decision as harmful to both national and global health security. He said the move would undermine disease surveillance efforts and reduce access to critical information on emerging threats such as Ebola, seasonal influenza, and other outbreaks. He also warned that U.S. involvement in selecting effective flu vaccines could be affected.

Despite the exit, U.S. officials insist the country will remain active in global health efforts. The HHS said it currently deploys more than 2,000 staff across 63 countries and maintains bilateral health agreements with hundreds of partners worldwide. Officials added that alternative arrangements are being planned to support disease surveillance, diagnostics and outbreak response previously coordinated through the WHO.

Under United Nations rules, countries leaving the WHO must provide one year’s notice and settle outstanding financial obligations. While the U.S. gave the required notice, it reportedly owes more than $270 million in dues for the 2024–2025 period. U.S. officials argue, however, that the country is not legally required to make the payment under the WHO’s founding constitution.

The WHO confirmed that the U.S. withdrawal will be discussed at an upcoming Executive Board meeting scheduled for early February. A spokesperson said the organization would act based on guidance from its governing bodies.

The HHS stated that there are currently no plans for the United States to rejoin the WHO or to participate as an observer. It also remains unclear whether the U.S. will take part in next month’s WHO-led influenza vaccine consultation meeting, a forum it has traditionally played a major role in.