US officially exits WHO, leaves behind millions in unpaid dues; health body loses its largest donor
The decision stems from an executive order signed by President Trump, who accused global health body of mismanaging Covid-19 pandemic, failing to carry out reforms and being influenced by political considerations
PTC Web Desk: The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its association with the United Nations’ health agency a year after President Donald Trump ordered the move during the start of his second term.
With the exit now final, Washington has halted all financial contributions to the WHO and recalled its personnel from the agency’s headquarters and regional offices across the world. According to officials cited in international media reports, the withdrawal leaves behind unpaid dues estimated at around $260 million.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed that funding has been terminated and that American participation in WHO leadership bodies, technical panels and working groups has also ceased. The decision stems from an executive order signed by President Trump, who accused the global health body of mismanaging the Covid-19 pandemic, failing to carry out reforms and being influenced by political considerations.
Dispute over outstanding payments
The US administration has rejected claims that it is required to clear outstanding dues before leaving the organisation. An administration official said there is no legal obligation to settle the pending amount, despite a 1948 Congressional resolution that requires a one-year notice period and payment of financial commitments.
The US has not paid its assessed contributions for 2024 and 2025. While the WHO has stated that Washington owed roughly $260 million as of January 2025, some officials have placed the figure lower, at just over $130 million.
WHO loses its largest donor
The departure of the US deals a major financial blow to the WHO, as it has been the agency’s single biggest contributor. Data cited by Bloomberg shows that American funding to the organisation totalled nearly $1.3 billion between 2022 and 2023.
Public health experts have warned that the withdrawal could weaken global preparedness for future disease outbreaks. Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert at Georgetown University, described the move as a “damaging break” that could undermine international cooperation and slow the development of new vaccines and treatments.
Impact on global health efforts
The WHO plays a central role in coordinating responses to global health emergencies, supporting healthcare systems in low-income countries, and setting international health standards. Specialists fear that the absence of US funding and expertise could disrupt programmes related to polio eradication, maternal and child health, and research on emerging viruses.
Medical leaders in the US have also raised concerns that leaving the WHO will limit access to critical global health data, including influenza surveillance systems that guide vaccine development and outbreak preparedness. Dr Ronald Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, called the decision “short-sighted” and warned it could weaken America’s ability to respond swiftly to future health threats.