Health

United States formally exits World Health Organization

Friday 23 - 13:55

By: Dakir Madiha

United States formally exits World Health Organization

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization, marking the end of a 78-year partnership that provided the agency with roughly 15 to 18 percent of its funding through substantial voluntary contributions ranging from $160 million to $800 million annually. President Donald Trump initiated this process with an executive order on his first day in office in January 2025, citing the WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, excessive influence from China, and failure to maintain independence from political pressures by member states. The withdrawal became effective this week, prompting the US to halt all funding, recall personnel and contractors, and limit future interactions to minimal coordination during the transition period.

Experts warn that this move delivers a severe blow to global health efforts, as the WHO grapples with a financial crisis leading to staff reductions and budget cuts across its programs addressing epidemics, chronic diseases, and other international challenges. While China has pledged increased support and member states approved a 20 percent dues hike to offset losses, the absence of the largest donor raises concerns about diminished capacity for pandemic surveillance, vaccine development, and health equity worldwide. US officials emphasize shifting to direct bilateral cooperation with other nations for disease monitoring and public health priorities, rejecting any observer role or plans to rejoin.