The United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026, a move with potentially far-reaching consequences for global and domestic health security. The U.S. was one of the original members of the WHO when it was established in 1948 as part of the United Nations.
Is the U.S. Officially Out of the WHO?
While the WHO charter doesn’t explicitly allow for member states to withdraw, the U.S. Congress included a provision allowing departure with one year’s notice and full payment of financial obligations. President Donald Trump provided that notice a year prior to the withdrawal date. However, the U.S. has not fulfilled its financial commitments, including outstanding dues from the final year of the Biden Administration. The WHO’s principal legal officer, Steven Solomon, stated on January 13 that the matter will be discussed by the organization’s executive board in February, with potential further discussion at the General Assembly in May, as these questions are reserved for member states.
Will the U.S. Be Prevented From Working With the WHO?
Despite the withdrawal, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreysus has expressed openness to the U.S. rejoining. Dr. Judd Walson, chair of international health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, noted that the WHO has intentionally signaled a desire to continue collaboration, evidenced by the continued display of the U.S. flag outside the WHO building in Geneva. While formal federal participation is diminished, individual researchers are expected to maintain connections with global health colleagues.
What Will Change Now That the U.S. Is No Longer a Member of the WHO?
One immediate impact could be reduced access for U.S. scientists to crucial databases used for monitoring infectious diseases, including influenza and emerging threats like COVID-19. While data will remain publicly available, insight into data collection and processing methods may be limited. This is particularly concerning for tracking influenza strains and informing annual vaccine development, as the WHO provides key recommendations. Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, emphasized that the withdrawal “takes the seat at the table away from us,” where critical global health decisions are made.
The effects on U.S. and global health are expected to be gradual, but difficult to reverse. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, described the move as “one of the most penny-wise and billion-dollar-foolish moves.” Reduced early detection of disease threats could lead to larger, more difficult-to-control outbreaks. Furthermore, the withdrawal may foster skepticism towards American institutions and hinder global collaboration on health initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the WHO able to function effectively without the U.S.?
The WHO has indicated its intention to continue its work, and is working to diversify its funding sources, as noted by Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus. However, the organization is currently 25% short of its needed budget, and the loss of the U.S. as its largest funder will undoubtedly create challenges.
Will individual U.S. scientists still be able to participate in WHO activities?
According to Dr. Judd Walson, U.S. citizens will still be able to participate in WHO committees and activities at an individual level. However, this lacks the coordination and influence of federal-level participation.
What are the potential geopolitical implications of the U.S. withdrawal?
The absence of the U.S. creates an opportunity for other countries, including India, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and China, to exert greater influence within the WHO, potentially shifting global health priorities, according to Dr. Walson.
As global health challenges continue to evolve, will the U.S. reconsider its position within the WHO, and what impact will this decision have on the future of international health cooperation?