The United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organisation (WHO) formally takes effect on Thursday, exactly one year after President Donald Trump ordered the country to exit the Geneva-based United Nations health agency shortly after returning to office.
Under the terms governing membership, the withdrawal followed a mandatory one-year notice period, which has now elapsed, officially ending US participation in the organisation’s programmes and decision-making processes.
Reacting to the development, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed regret over the decision and urged Washington to reconsider its stance.
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“I hope that the United States will reconsider its decision and rejoin the WHO,” Tedros said in Geneva.
The US exit marks a significant shift in global health governance, as the country will no longer take part in key WHO functions, including early warning systems for infectious disease outbreaks and the coordination of seasonal influenza vaccine composition, which relies on worldwide pathogen surveillance.
Health experts warn that the absence of US scientific expertise and funding could weaken global preparedness and response efforts, particularly in managing future pandemics and emerging health threats.
President Trump’s criticism of the WHO dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he accused the organisation of mismanaging the crisis and misusing funds. He first attempted to withdraw the US during his initial term, but the move was reversed by his successor, President Joe Biden, before the withdrawal deadline was reached.
Following Trump’s return to the White House, the US renewed its withdrawal process and withheld payment of its membership contributions for 2024 and 2025, amounting to approximately $280 million.
Although the US paid a fixed membership fee like other member states, it historically contributed significantly more through voluntary funding, often accounting for over 15 per cent of WHO’s total budget.
The loss of US funding has forced the WHO to implement a strict austerity programme, with deep cuts expected across operations.
By mid-2026, the organisation’s workforce is projected to shrink by about 20 per cent, falling to roughly 7,300 employees, compared with staffing levels at the start of 2025. The agency’s budget has also been reduced by a similar margin.
Despite the financial strain, WHO officials say efforts are underway to maintain core health functions and strengthen partnerships with other member states and donors.
The US withdrawal comes at a time of growing concern over global health security, with experts warning that international cooperation remains critical in an era marked by climate-related health risks, antimicrobial resistance, and the persistent threat of pandemics.
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