Overview
- The United States formally left the World Health Organization on January 22, ending participation in governing bodies and withdrawing American staff, according to HHS.
- UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said withdrawal terms require one year’s notice and settlement of financial obligations, and WHO has not confirmed to the UN that these conditions were fulfilled.
- Bloomberg reported an outstanding U.S. balance of roughly $260 million, while a senior HHS official said no statute required payment before departure.
- U.S. officials framed the move as protecting sovereignty and criticized WHO’s handling of the pandemic response, while signaling plans for targeted cooperation through other institutions.
- WHO expressed regret over the decision and the loss of its largest donor, raising concerns for global health financing and coordination.