The United States is set to officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2026, following a formal notification from President Donald Trump, the UN confirmed on Thursday.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq stated that the withdrawal process had been initiated after Trump, on his first day in office, vowed to cut ties with the WHO and halt all future funding. “We have received the US letter regarding the WHO withdrawal. It is dated January 22, 2025, and will take effect one year later, on January 22, 2026,” Haq confirmed.
Trump also directed Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the head of the US Office of Management and Budget to “pause any future transfer of United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO.”
Additionally, Washington has recalled all US personnel working with the WHO and instructed them to end their participation in negotiations related to a WHO-led global treaty on pandemic response.
Impact of the US Withdrawal
The withdrawal marks a significant blow to the WHO, as the US has been its largest financial contributor. Between 2024 and 2025, the US provided approximately 18% of the WHO’s funding, amounting to $261 million. China, the second-largest donor, contributed $181 million during the same period.
Experts warn that losing its top donor will severely impact the WHO’s ability to address global health crises such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and future pandemics. The agency will need to seek alternative funding sources to sustain its critical operations.
The decision comes amid broader concerns about the US’s approach to international institutions under Trump’s leadership, sparking debates about the future of global health governance and cooperation.
