US Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization Amid COVID-19 Dissatisfaction
The United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), a United Nations agency, on Thursday. Washington announced the decision was due to dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donald Trump, the current US president, enacted this decision on the first day of his presidential term in January 2025 by issuing an executive order. US officials have stated that the country does not even wish to continue its presence in the agency as an observer member.
A US health department official announced that instead of collaborating within international organizations, Washington intends to cooperate directly with countries on matters such as disease surveillance and other public health issues.
Meanwhile, disputes over the US’s financial debts to the WHO have also surfaced. According to US law, the country was required to announce its decision to withdraw at least one year in advance and settle all outstanding debts, which are estimated at approximately $260 million; however, Washington has refused to pay this amount.
A US State Department spokesperson told Reuters via email that US officials believe the American people have contributed more than their designated share to the WHO. The US Department of Health and Human Services also announced the complete cessation of Washington’s financial contributions to the organization’s budget.
According to Reuters, on Thursday, the US flag was lowered at the WHO headquarters in Geneva. This action comes as the US has recently initiated withdrawals from several other United Nations-affiliated agencies.
The US exit, as the largest financial contributor to the WHO, has caused a significant financial crisis for the organization. This situation has led to a reduction in activities and widespread staff layoffs, with projections suggesting that nearly one-quarter of the organization’s workforce will be cut within the next six months.
Meanwhile, several experts have warned that the US termination of cooperation with the WHO could seriously weaken the global capacity to identify and respond to health threats.
