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U.S. Formally Leaves WHO, Pulls Staff and Stops Funding

WHO rejects Washington’s rationale, reporting roughly $260–$278 million in unpaid assessed contributions.

Overview

  • HHS confirmed the withdrawal is complete, with all U.S. personnel recalled from WHO offices and participation in WHO committees and technical groups ended.
  • WHO says the outstanding U.S. dues for the 2024–2025 biennium remain unpaid, and its Executive Board in February and the World Health Assembly in May will take up the matter.
  • The administration cites WHO’s handling of COVID-19 and political influence as reasons for leaving and says it will shift work to bilateral efforts and agencies such as CDC, NIH and FDA.
  • Reporting describes funding cuts triggering program reductions at WHO and planned staffing decreases into mid‑2026, while experts warn of weakened global disease surveillance and response capacity.
  • China pledged $500 million in voluntary funding to WHO, and California announced participation in WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network as geopolitical and subnational responses take shape.