United States Formally Withdraws from The World Health Organization

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization, marking the end of a partnership that began when the organisation was founded in 1948. The withdrawal follows an executive order issued in January 2025 by President Donald Trump, which initiated the mandatory one‑year exit process.

The US government has attributed the decision to concerns over the WHO’s pandemic response, governance structure and what it characterised as excessive political influence within the agency. The move had long been considered a possibility, particularly after an earlier attempt to exit the organisation in 2020.

Background To The US Withdrawal

The decision to leave the WHO was triggered on the first day of President Trump’s term in January 2025. This action set in motion the formal timeline required for withdrawal, which has now been completed.

The United States had been a founding member of the WHO and remained part of the organisation for nearly 78 years. The earlier attempt to exit in 2020, later reversed by the following administration, had already signalled that membership was contingent on political changes in Washington.

Financial Implications For The WHO

The United States has historically been the single largest contributor to the WHO. Its contributions accounted for around 18% of the organisation’s total funding.

This included annual mandatory dues estimated between $110 million and $120 million, along with voluntary contributions ranging from $500 million to $600 million, supporting vaccine programmes, outbreak responses and disease surveillance. With the US exit, this funding has immediately ceased, placing the agency under significant financial stress.

Operational Impact On The Global Health Body

Reports indicate that the WHO has faced a financial crisis following the withdrawal. Budget cuts have forced the agency to reduce its management team by half and scale back work across departments.

These adjustments have raised concerns that reduced staffing may weaken global preparedness for future health emergencies. The loss of funding has therefore affected not only programmes but also the organisation’s long‑term stability.

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Conclusion

The formal withdrawal of the United States from the WHO represents a major shift in global health cooperation. The end of its 78‑year membership has created both financial and operational challenges for the agency at a time when coordinated international health response remains essential.

The US decision reflects broader tensions over global governance and national priorities. As the WHO adjusts to the loss of its largest contributor, questions remain about how global health systems will compensate for the reduced funding and collaboration.

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