The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its membership in the global health body. The decision was confirmed on Friday, January 23, 2026, according to a report by Reuters.
The move follows a long-running dispute between the U.S. government and the WHO over the organisation’s handling of major global health crises, including past pandemics. U.S. officials have accused the WHO of failing to act independently and of mismanaging health emergencies, claims the organisation has previously denied.
With the withdrawal now complete, the United States will no longer take part in WHO decision-making, funding, or health programmes. The U.S. had been one of the largest financial contributors to the organisation, supporting disease control programmes, emergency responses, and health systems in many developing countries.
Health experts and international leaders have expressed concern about the impact of the decision. They warn that the exit could weaken global cooperation on disease prevention, pandemic preparedness, and responses to health emergencies such as outbreaks of infectious diseases.
The WHO plays a key role in coordinating international health efforts, sharing data, issuing health guidelines, and supporting poorer countries with medical resources and expertise. Critics of the U.S. withdrawal fear that reduced funding and cooperation could slow responses to future global health threats.
Despite the withdrawal, WHO officials have said the organisation will continue its work with other member states to protect global public health. They have also urged countries to strengthen collaboration, stressing that diseases do not respect borders.
The U.S. government has not ruled out future engagement with global health initiatives outside the WHO framework, but for now, its formal relationship with the organisation has come to an end.
