BY Daniel Bampoe
In a historic move that has sent shockwaves across global health circles, the United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending decades of engagement with one of the world’s most prominent public health institutions.
The decision, signed into effect by President Donald Trump, marks the culmination of a year-long push to sever ties with the UN agency, which Washington has repeatedly criticized as overly influenced by China and ineffective during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The US Department of Health and Human Services cited multiple reasons for the withdrawal, including the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the pandemic, its resistance to internal reforms, and political interference from member states.
According to US officials, these factors demonstrated that the organization had “abandoned its core mission” and acted counter to American interests.
A joint statement by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the WHO of undermining American contributions and stated that future US engagement would be strictly limited to safeguarding domestic health interests.
The withdrawal has significant financial implications. Historically, the United States has been one of the WHO’s largest donors, contributing millions of dollars annually to support global health initiatives, including the fight against polio, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality, and tobacco control efforts.
However, the US has not paid its assessed contributions for 2024 and 2025, amounting to an estimated $260 million in arrears, which has already triggered layoffs and operational strain within the organization.
WHO lawyers have indicated that Washington is legally obligated to settle these arrears, though US officials have refused.
The US has also recalled all personnel and contractors from WHO offices worldwide, suspended hundreds of engagements, and ended funding entirely.
Officials have indicated that disease surveillance and pathogen-sharing efforts will continue through bilateral partnerships with other countries, though specific nations involved have not been disclosed.
Collaboration with NGOs and faith-based organizations is expected to replace US support for global health initiatives such as HIV treatment programs and polio eradication, but no concrete partnerships have been publicly confirmed.
The WHO, led by Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has rejected US allegations and expressed regret over the decision, highlighting the mutual benefits of decades of collaboration.
The agency emphasized its role in protecting millions of lives worldwide, noting that the US’s exit represents both a national and global loss.
The matter of the withdrawal will be discussed at the WHO Board meeting scheduled from February 2–7, 2026, where member states are expected to deliberate on the implications and next steps.
