U.S. withdrawal from WHO could affect public health

The United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization on Jan. 22, 2026; WHO officials say questions about unpaid dues and the formal status of the withdrawal will be discussed by the executive board in February and by member states at the World Health Assembly in May.

The United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization on Jan. 22, 2026. The U.S. has been a historically large funder of WHO and Congress had allowed withdrawal after a year’s notice. WHO legal and leadership officials have said questions remain about whether the U.S. has met financial obligations tied to membership. The WHO executive board is scheduled to discuss the matter in February, and member states may address it at the World Health Assembly in May. Key facts: - The U.S. gave a year's notice and the withdrawal was reported as taking effect on Jan. 22, 2026. - WHO officials have said the U.S. has outstanding dues, and those unpaid obligations are part of the legal questions about formal withdrawal. - The WHO executive board is set to discuss the issue in February, and the World Health Assembly (General Assembly) will meet in May to consider member-state matters. Summary: Officials report the U.S. has left WHO but that legal and financial questions about the departure remain unresolved. The next formal review steps are the executive board meeting in February and the World Health Assembly in May, and WHO leaders have said the organization is open to U.S. re-engagement. Undetermined at this time.