US Withdraws from the World Health Organization: Reasons, Process and Global Impact

The United States has formally exited the World Health Organization (WHO), ending decades of association with the UN’s global health body. The withdrawal, finalised after a year-long notice period, marks a significant shift in US global health policy and raises concerns about its impact on international disease surveillance, funding, and global public health cooperation.

Why in News?

The US officially withdrew from the World Health Organization after completing the mandatory one-year notice period, following an executive order issued by Donald Trump at the start of his presidency in 2025.

Background: US Decision to Exit WHO

• President Donald Trump announced the decision to leave the WHO on the first day of his presidency in 2025, citing alleged failures by the organisation in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
• According to US officials, the WHO’s management decisions caused severe economic and public health consequences for the United States.
• The withdrawal was executed through an executive order, initiating the legally required one-year exit process under US law.

Dispute Over Outstanding Membership Fees

• Under US legislation, withdrawal from WHO requires one-year notice and settlement of all outstanding dues, estimated at around $260 million.
• However, the US State Department disputed the interpretation that payment was a precondition for exit.
• The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed that all US funding contributions to the WHO have been halted, arguing that American taxpayers had already borne excessive costs.

Changes in US-WHO Engagement

• Following the withdrawal, US officials clarified that the country would not participate even as an observer at WHO forums.
• Instead, the US plans to engage directly with individual countries on disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health priorities, bypassing multilateral platforms.
• The US flag was removed from outside the WHO headquarters in Geneva, symbolising the formal end of membership.

WHO’s Response and Internal Impact

• The WHO stated that the US has not paid its dues for 2024 and 2025, and the issue will be discussed at the WHO Executive Board meeting in February.
• The withdrawal has triggered a financial crisis, forcing the WHO to cut its management team by half, reduce budgets, and plan to lay off nearly 25% of its workforce by mid-year.
• Traditionally, the US contributed around 18% of WHO’s total funding, making it the organisation’s largest donor.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Which organisation did the United States officially withdraw from in 2026?

A. UNESCO
B. UNICEF
C. World Health Organization
D. UNDP