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The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), one year after President Donald Trump announced the decision to end America’s 78-year membership. Despite the official exit, the split is far from complete, as the US still owes over USD 130 million in unpaid contributions and has not fully resolved issues such as access to global health data.
Public health experts warn that the move could weaken global responses to pandemics and hinder US efforts to develop vaccines and medicines. The WHO, a United Nations specialised health agency, coordinates responses to outbreaks like Ebola, polio, and mpox, provides technical assistance to poorer nations, and sets guidelines on a wide range of health issues.
Trump cited the organisation’s handling of COVID-19 and its alleged lack of independence from political influence as reasons for the withdrawal. Critics, including experts like Lawrence Gostin and Dr. Ronald Nahass, called the move “shortsighted” and “scientifically reckless,” noting that it could disrupt initiatives such as polio eradication and global flu surveillance.
While US officials say they will maintain bilateral public health collaborations with other countries, the scale and effectiveness of these arrangements remain uncertain. The exit also leaves the US outside WHO committees, leadership bodies, and technical working groups, limiting its participation in global health decision-making.
