The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending nearly eight decades of membership and financial support to the UN-specialized health agency.
The withdrawal, which took effect on January 22, 2026, follows a directive issued by President Donald Trump last year ordering a full pullout and termination of U.S. contributions.
Officials from the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Health and Human Services said the government will pursue alternative health partnerships and bilateral cooperation frameworks outside WHO structures.
The move has drawn concern from global health experts and international leaders who warn that the U.S. exit could weaken global surveillance, vaccine coordination, and emergency response efforts for future disease outbreaks.
WHO officials have not issued a detailed response to the final withdrawal but have reiterated the agency’s central role in global health cooperation.