The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its membership in the UN health agency and cutting off funding from one of its largest donors.
The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump a year ago, citing criticism of the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and alleging political bias and failure to reform. The US Department of Health and Human Services said all government funding to the WHO has been terminated, with US personnel recalled from its Geneva headquarters and offices worldwide.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus rejected the accusations, calling the withdrawal a loss for both the US and global public health. The agency highlighted its work in combating polio, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality and tobacco use.
Washington has not paid its WHO contributions for 2024 and 2025, creating a funding gap estimated at $260 million and triggering job losses within the organisation. US officials said future engagement with global health issues would be handled through bilateral partnerships and NGOs.
The WHO confirmed that the US withdrawal will be discussed at its executive board meeting in early February.
The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump a year ago, citing criticism of the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and alleging political bias and failure to reform. The US Department of Health and Human Services said all government funding to the WHO has been terminated, with US personnel recalled from its Geneva headquarters and offices worldwide.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus rejected the accusations, calling the withdrawal a loss for both the US and global public health. The agency highlighted its work in combating polio, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality and tobacco use.
Washington has not paid its WHO contributions for 2024 and 2025, creating a funding gap estimated at $260 million and triggering job losses within the organisation. US officials said future engagement with global health issues would be handled through bilateral partnerships and NGOs.
The WHO confirmed that the US withdrawal will be discussed at its executive board meeting in early February.
