United States Officially Exits the World Health Organization
The United States has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), effective Thursday, January 22, 2026. This historic move fulfills an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day in office in January 2025.
"Promises Kept"
In a joint statement, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of State confirmed the exit, citing the WHO's "profound failures" in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and its inability to demonstrate independence from political influence, specifically referencing China.
"Today, the United States withdrew from the World Health Organization... freeing itself from its constraints," the statement read. The administration emphasized that the decision was driven by the organization's refusal to implement necessary reforms to ensure transparency and accountability.
Immediate Changes
The withdrawal triggers significant immediate changes:
- Funding Terminated: All U.S. financial contributions to the WHO have officially ceased.
- Personnel Recalled: All U.S. government personnel and contractors detailed to the WHO headquarters in Geneva and other offices are being recalled and reassigned.
- End of Participation: The U.S. has suspended its involvement in all WHO-sponsored committees and technical working groups.
Global Reactions and Financial Impact
The exit leaves a substantial financial gap, as the U.S. was the organization's largest donor. Reports indicate the U.S. leaves with approximately $270 million in unpaid dues for the 2024–2025 period, though the administration argues it is not legally obligated to pay.
Global health experts have expressed concern that the withdrawal could hamper international efforts to track diseases like influenza and tuberculosis. However, the White House maintains that the U.S. will continue to lead global health initiatives through direct bilateral partnerships and "America First" strategies that prioritize national security.
Stay tuned to Naijarave for analysis on how this decision will impact global health funding in Africa.
