The United States has officially severed ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that has left the UN agency without one of its largest financial contributors. The decision, made by former US President Donald Trump, has been met with widespread concern from global health experts who warn of the potential consequences.
The US withdrawal, which was officially announced a year ago, came amid criticism from Trump over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The US Department of Health and Human Services cited the organization’s “mishandling” of the crisis, its inability to reform, and alleged political influence from member states as the reasons behind the decision.
However, the WHO has rejected these claims, with its director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stating that the withdrawal was a “loss for the US and the world.” The organization has highlighted its global efforts in combating polio, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality, and its international treaty on tobacco control.
In the wake of the pandemic, WHO member states worked to create an international pandemic treaty designed to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future outbreaks, including the fair sharing of vaccines and drugs. This treaty was agreed upon by all WHO member states, except the US.
The US has traditionally been one of the WHO’s largest donors, contributing around $400 million annually. However, the country has not paid its fees for 2024 and 2025, which has already resulted in significant job losses at the organization. While WHO lawyers suggest the US is obliged to pay the estimated $260 million in arrears, Washington has stated that it sees no reason to do so.
The withdrawal has also led to the termination of all US government funding to the WHO, the recall of US personnel and contractors from the organization’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and the suspension or discontinuation of hundreds of US engagements with the WHO.
In a joint statement, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the WHO of tarnishing and trashing “everything that America has done for it,” claiming that the organization had “abandoned its core mission and acted repeatedly against the interests of the United States.”
The US has stated that it will seek to establish bilateral relationships with other countries to ensure disease surveillance and pathogen sharing, but has yet to provide details on specific partnerships. Additionally, the government has said it will partner with non-governmental organizations and faith-based groups to continue work on global health issues, such as combating polio and HIV/AIDS, but has not revealed any established partnerships.
The withdrawal from the WHO has raised concerns among global health experts, who warn that the absence of the US’s substantial financial and technical contributions could have far-reaching consequences for the organization’s ability to effectively address critical health challenges around the world.
