Archive · 24 Jan 2026
US Finalizes WHO Exit, Leaves $280M in Dues
The United States has officially left the World Health Organization (WHO) after 78 years of membership.
The decision was made by President Donald Trump, who said the WHO didn't handle the COVID-19 pandemic well and didn't make necessary changes.
The US owes the WHO over $280 million in unpaid dues.
Experts say this decision will make it harder to fight diseases worldwide and could slow down the development of vaccines and medicines.
The US will also lose access to important health data from other countries.
Some experts believe the US president overstepped his authority in making this decision without Congress's approval.
The WHO is an important organization that helps countries work together to fight diseases and improve health.
Without the US, the WHO will have less money and fewer resources to do this important work.
The US has finalized its withdrawal from the WHO after 78 years of membership.
The US owes the WHO over $280 million in unpaid dues for 2024 and 2025.
The Trump administration cited the WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of reforms as reasons for the withdrawal.
Experts warn that the US exit will hinder global health initiatives and US access to critical disease data.
The US has ceased participation in WHO committees and technical working groups, impacting global flu information-sharing and vaccine decisions.
- Who
- United States
- What
- Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)
- When
- Finalized on the date of the article (exact date not specified)
- Where
- Global impact, with the US ceasing participation in WHO activities
- Why
- Due to the WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and lack of reforms, as cited by the Trump administration
Trump Administration
Public Health Experts
Reason for Withdrawal
Trump Administration
The WHO mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic and failed to adopt necessary reforms, showing a lack of independence from political influence.
Public Health Experts
The withdrawal is shortsighted, misguided, and scientifically reckless, hindering global health initiatives and US access to critical disease data.
Impact on Global Health
Trump Administration
The US will maintain direct relationships with countries for disease intelligence, bypassing the WHO.
Public Health Experts
The US exit will cripple global health initiatives, including polio eradication, maternal and child health programs, and research on new viral threats.
Legal Authority
Trump Administration
The President has the authority to withdraw from the WHO without Congressional approval.
Public Health Experts
The President overstepped his authority, as the US joined the WHO through an act of Congress, and withdrawal should require Congressional approval.
- Organization
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- US Membership Duration
- 78 years
- Unpaid Dues
- $280 million (as of January 2025)
- Annual US Contribution
- $111 million (dues) + $570 million (voluntary)
- Reason for Withdrawal
- Mishandling of COVID-19 and lack of reforms
- Impact
- Hindrance to global health initiatives and US access to disease data
- US Participation
- Ceased in WHO committees and technical working groups
- WHO's Role
- Coordinates global health responses, provides technical assistance, distributes vaccines, and sets health guidelines
Sources
US completes exit from WHO, leaving behind $130 million in unpaid dues - Telegraph India
US Exits From World Health Organization
US formally exits from WHO: $260 million debt, funding halted – What's at stake? All you need to know
US halts funding and quits WHO, calls global health body’s COVID response a failure
In Numbers: How American exit offsets WHO’s targets and impacts global health systems worldwide
Deceit and intimidation
Great loss, self-inflicted problem for America: Lancet editor-in-chief on US’s move to quit WHO
