The United States has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), bringing to an end its membership in the UN health agency after the expiry of a one-year notice period on January 22.
In a statement, the US government said the move fulfils a commitment made by President Donald Trump under an executive order he signed on January 20 last year. The decision, it said, was driven by what it described as “profound failures” by the WHO, including its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, a refusal to undertake key reforms, and concerns over accountability, transparency, and independence.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, leaving the WHO has been a priority for the Trump administration since 2020. During his first term, Trump initiated withdrawal proceedings, citing dissatisfaction with the organisation’s response to Covid-19, though the process was later reversed before being reinstated last year.
The WHO has previously expressed regret over the US decision. In a statement issued in January last year, the agency noted that the United States was a founding member when the organisation was established in 1948 and has since played a central role in shaping its policies and governance alongside 193 other member states.
The WHO also pointed out that, with the involvement of the US and other members, it has implemented what it described as the most extensive reforms in its history over the past seven years, aimed at improving accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact at the country level.
Under President Trump’s executive order, the US government has already taken several steps to disengage from the organisation. These include terminating all US funding to the WHO, recalling American personnel and contractors stationed at WHO headquarters in Geneva and in field offices worldwide, and suspending or ending hundreds of engagements with the agency.
The US has also ceased participation in WHO-sponsored committees, technical working groups, leadership bodies, and governance structures.
For decades, the United States has been the largest single contributor to global health efforts, playing a leading role in outbreak responses, pandemic preparedness, and disease eradication campaigns such as those against smallpox and polio. Washington argues, however, that it has long shouldered a disproportionate share of the WHO’s financial burden and that withdrawal will restore accountability to US taxpayers.
Following its exit, the US said it would pursue a new approach to global health cooperation outside WHO structures. It plans to work directly with countries, international partners, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and faith-based groups.
US-led initiatives, according to the statement, will focus on emergency response, biosecurity coordination, and health innovation, with an emphasis on protecting American interests while delivering measurable benefits to partners worldwide.
“Through targeted global cooperation, these efforts will protect Americans while delivering shared security and tangible outcomes for US allies,” the statement said.
