US Exit from WHO Becomes Effective Today

Today marks the one-year anniversary since President Donald Trump mandated the United States' exit from the World Health Organization (WHO) just hours after commencing his term.

Per an agreement with the Geneva-based World Health Organization, this withdrawal is set to take effect today following a required one-year notice period that the US completed.

Theoretically, a stipulation within the agreement for this withdrawal has not been satisfied, since the US did not fully pay its contributions as agreed upon. However, the WHO lacks the capacity to enforce payment or deny the withdrawal.

Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus remarked in Geneva, "I hope that the US will reassess its choice and return to the WHO," further noting that this decision impacts everyone adversely.

"The withdrawal is detrimental not just for the US but also for the entire global community," stated Mr. Ghebreyesus. He emphasized that it transcends financial issues, focusing on collaboration and solidarity.

The WHO maintains important functions, including early-warning systems for potential outbreak threats. It also organizes flu vaccine composition each season based on an analysis of global circulating pathogens.

With the US no longer engaged in these critical functions, the rest of the world must now manage without substantial American expertise.

Trump's resentment towards the WHO originated during the coronavirus pandemic, leading him to attempt to withdraw the US from the organization during his first term.

However, his successor, Joe Biden, took office before the expiration of the one-year notice period and annulled Trump's decision.

Trump has criticized the WHO for mishandling funds and the pandemic. Following his return to the White House, the US failed to remit outstanding membership dues for 2024 and 2025, which amount to approximately $280 million.

For many years, the US was the largest contributor to the WHO, consistently donating more than the mandatory membership fee, often covering in excess of 15 percent of the organization's budget.

Due to the withdrawal, the WHO has been compelled to initiate a stringent austerity plan. By mid-2026, workforce numbers are anticipated to drop by about 20 percent, down to around 7,300, compared to the beginning of 2025, with a similar budget reduction expected.