Overview
- Washington’s withdrawal took effect Jan. 22 after a yearlong process, with HHS confirming all funding has been halted, U.S. staff recalled, and participation in WHO bodies ended.
- Director‑General Tedros said the U.S. rationale is untrue and warned the decision makes both the country and the world less safe.
- WHO says the United States has not paid its assessed contributions for 2024–2025, with reports placing the unpaid total at roughly $260–$278 million.
- The notification will be taken up by the WHO Executive Board starting Feb. 2 and by the World Health Assembly in May 2026.
- WHO projects a $1.06 billion funding gap for 2026–27 and potential workforce cuts of up to 22%, while experts caution the U.S. exit could weaken global disease surveillance and emergency response.