United States Formally Withdraws from WHO, Owes $260 Million in Dues; WHO Faces Budget Funding Crisis | WPN World People News

The United States announced today that it has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO). Observers warn that the U.S. withdrawal could have repercussions for both the United States and the global community. With the U.S. exit, the WHO has fallen into the most severe budget and staffing crisis in its history.

In a joint statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the withdrawal was carried out in accordance with an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office. The statement accused the WHO of failing in its duties during the COVID-19 pandemic and of obstructing the timely sharing of critical information that could have saved American lives. Despite the United States being a founding member and the WHO’s largest financial contributor, the organization was said to be pursuing a politicized and bureaucratic agenda driven by countries hostile to U.S. interests. The United States has halted funding for all WHO initiatives and will no longer second personnel to the organization. The U.S. said it will continue to work with countries and trusted health institutions to share best practices, strengthen preparedness, and protect communities through a more transparent, effective, and results-driven model.

Because U.S. contributions previously accounted for 18 percent of the WHO’s funding, Reuters reported that the withdrawal has triggered a budget crisis at the organization. The WHO has already cut its management team by half and reduced its overall budget; by mid-year, staff numbers are expected to fall by about one quarter. Over the past year, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and other global health experts had urged the United States to reconsider before withdrawing. The WHO has also stated that the U.S. owes $260 million in membership dues for 2024 and 2025. A WHO spokesperson told Reuters that the Executive Board will discuss how to handle the U.S. withdrawal in February.