US Exits WHO One Year After Trump’s Withdrawal Order
The United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organisation has officially taken effect, one year after President Donald Trump ordered the country to exit the global health body, a move that has triggered funding cuts and operational downsizing at the WHO.
The withdrawal became effective on Thursday, in line with WHO rules that require a mandatory one-year notice period before a member state can formally leave.
The notice period expired exactly one year after Trump signed the executive order shortly after assuming office in 2025.
Under the terms of WHO membership, withdrawing countries are expected to settle all outstanding financial obligations before exiting the organisation.
That condition has not been fulfilled by the United States, although the WHO has no legal mechanism to compel payment or block a member’s withdrawal.
Reacting to the development, WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed regret and urged the United States to reconsider its decision.
“The withdrawal is a loss for the United States and also a loss for the rest of the world,” Tedros said.
He added that the organisation remains open to the country’s return in the future.
Trump had justified the decision by accusing the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China, and other global health emergencies.
He also alleged that the organisation failed to implement necessary reforms and could not operate independently of political influence from member states.
The executive order further criticised what it described as “unfairly onerous payments” imposed on the United States.
It argued that American contributions were disproportionate compared to those of other countries, including China.
Speaking during the signing of the order, Trump said the United States had been unfairly treated by international organisations.
“World Health ripped us off. Everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” he said.
The United States’ exit has created a major budget shortfall for the WHO.
The organisation has since cut its management team by half and scaled back operations across several departments.
The United States has historically been the WHO’s largest financial contributor.
It previously provided about 18 per cent of the organisation’s total funding.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
