Washington/Geneva — January, 23 2026
“Today, the United States withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), freeing itself from its constraints, as President Trump promised on his first day in office by signing E.O. 14155. This action responds to the WHO’s failures during the COVID-19 pandemic and seeks to rectify the harm from those failures inflicted on the American people. Promises made, promises kept.”
The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO), marking a historic break from the UN health agency it helped establish nearly eight decades ago.
The decision follows a one-year withdrawal process initiated by the U.S. government, bringing an end to American membership, funding contributions, and official participation in WHO-led programmes and governance structures.
U.S. officials said the move reflects longstanding concerns about the organisation’s governance, transparency, and performance during recent global health emergencies (especially during the pandemic).
“The World Health Organisation has failed to uphold the standards of independence, accountability, and effectiveness that global public health demands,” a joint statement from U.S. health and foreign policy officials said. “The United States will now pursue alternative partnerships that better serve the health and security of the American people.”
As part of the withdrawal, U.S. funding to the WHO has ceased, and American personnel seconded to the organisation have been recalled. The government says it will instead focus on direct bilateral health collaborations and domestic public health investments.
WHO Responds With Caution and Concern
In Geneva, WHO leadership acknowledged the U.S. departure with regret, warning that the decision could have consequences for global disease surveillance, emergency response, and international health coordination.
“The United States has been a founding member and a vital partner in advancing global health,” a WHO spokesperson said. “At a time when the world faces shared health threats, cooperation — not fragmentation — remains essential.”
The WHO confirmed it is adjusting its budget and operational plans to manage the loss of U.S. contributions, historically among its largest sources of funding.
Global Health Community Reacts
Public health experts and international health leaders have expressed mixed reactions. Supporters of the U.S. move argue it signals the need for reform within global health institutions.
Critics, however, warn it could weaken collective preparedness for future pandemics, disrupt data-sharing systems, and strain health programmes in low- and middle-income countries.
The U.S. exit comes as the world continues to navigate complex health challenges — from emerging infectious diseases to climate-related health risks and antimicrobial resistance — many of which rely on cross-border coordination.
What Comes Next
Despite the formal withdrawal, U.S. officials say limited technical engagement may continue where legally required or deemed essential for national health security. The WHO, meanwhile, has reiterated its commitment to working with remaining member states and partners to maintain global health operations.
The long-term impact of the U.S. departure on international health cooperation remains uncertain, but the decision marks a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between national sovereignty and global public health governance.
This is a developing story…
