US Confirms Withdrawal from WHO by 2026

Friday 24 January 2025 - 08:08

The United Nations has confirmed that the United States will officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2026. The announcement comes after the UN received formal communication from US President Donald Trump, signaling the decision to terminate US membership in the global health agency.

UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq stated on Thursday that the withdrawal process had been formally initiated. "We have received the US letter regarding the WHO withdrawal, dated January 22, 2025. The withdrawal will take effect one year from that date, on January 22, 2026," Haq explained. This follows Trump’s pledge on his first day in office to cut ties with the WHO and halt future financial contributions.

The president directed key government officials to suspend any further allocation of US funds or resources to the WHO. Additionally, Washington has recalled personnel engaged with the organization and ordered a cessation of participation in ongoing negotiations for a global pandemic treaty. The US, which contributes approximately 18% of the WHO’s budget (around $261 million from 2024 to 2025), stands as the agency's largest donor, with China in second place at $181 million. Experts warn that the loss of such a significant financial backer will challenge the WHO’s ability to address pressing health crises like tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and global pandemics.

Trump has long criticized the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, initially attempting to withdraw the US from the organization in 2020. However, this move was reversed by President Joe Biden, who reinstated US membership shortly after assuming office.

In response to the announcement, the WHO expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing its critical role in global health and security. “We hope the United States will reconsider. We are committed to constructive dialogue to preserve this partnership, which benefits millions worldwide,” the organization stated.

The legality of the withdrawal remains under scrutiny. The US joined the WHO in 1948 through a congressional resolution, raising questions about whether the president can withdraw unilaterally. Legal experts suggest the decision may face challenges in court. Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law, argued that such a consequential action requires congressional approval and announced he is considering legal action to contest the withdrawal.