U.S. Announces Withdrawal from World Health Organization, Effective January 2026

In a major geopolitical and public health development, the United States has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), with the departure set to take effect on January 22, 2026. This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. global health policy and has sparked concerns about the potential consequences for international health initiatives.

Background of the Decision

The move follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, citing dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious disease outbreaks. The U.S. has long been the largest financial contributor to the WHO, providing nearly 15% of the organization’s $6.5 billion budget for the two-year funding cycle ending in 2025.

The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the WHO for what it perceives as mismanagement, lack of transparency, and undue influence from China. This decision echoes a similar attempt by the U.S. to leave the WHO in 2020, which was later reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021.

Implications of U.S. Withdrawal

The U.S. withdrawal raises significant concerns about the future of global health initiatives, particularly those that rely heavily on American funding and expertise. Some key consequences include:

Funding Gaps for Global Health Programs:

The WHO receives a large portion of its funding from the U.S., supporting critical programs such as tuberculosis eradication, polio vaccination, and HIV/AIDS treatment.

The loss of funding could cripple ongoing projects and leave millions of people in developing countries vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Impact on Pandemic Preparedness and Response:

The WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating international responses to disease outbreaks, including COVID-19, Ebola, and other infectious threats.

Without U.S. participation, global pandemic preparedness efforts may face setbacks.

Geopolitical Shifts in Global Health Leadership:

The exit of the U.S. from the WHO may allow China, Russia, and other nations to expand their influence over global health policies.

This shift could reshape international decision-making on issues like vaccine distribution and disease surveillance.

International and Domestic Reactions

WHO’s Response: WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing health challenges. The organization has begun seeking alternative funding sources to compensate for the potential financial shortfall.

United Nations (UN): The UN confirmed that it has received the U.S. withdrawal notification and acknowledged the need for diplomatic discussions to mitigate disruptions.

Public Health Experts: Many health experts and advocacy groups have condemned the decision, warning that it could undermine years of progress in global disease control.

U.S. Lawmakers: The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some Republican lawmakers support the move, arguing for a stronger focus on national interests, while Democrats and public health officials criticize it as shortsighted and dangerous.

What’s Next?

Although the withdrawal process has been initiated, the decision is not final and could be reversed by a future U.S. administration before the 2026 deadline. Efforts are also underway to restructure WHO funding sources to reduce reliance on any single country.

Conclusion

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO represents a major turning point in global health governance. While proponents argue that it allows the U.S. to reclaim greater control over its health policies, critics warn of severe consequences for international health initiatives. As the world continues to face challenges like pandemics, climate change, and emerging diseases, the absence of U.S. leadership in the WHO could have far-reaching effects on global health security.

For more details, you can refer to these sources:

Reuters: U.S. to leave WHO in 2026

Politico: Trump announces WHO withdrawal

AP News: WHO funding sources