U.S. completes withdrawal from World Health Organization, affecting outbreak response

The U.S. has finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization one year after the announcement, and WHO says the United States still owes more than $130 million; U.S. officials say unresolved issues remain, including access to international disease data.

The United States has finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization after giving one year’s notice following an executive order announced at the start of President Trump’s second term. WHO reports the U.S. still owes more than $130 million in unpaid dues, and U.S. officials acknowledge unresolved issues such as access to disease data shared through WHO channels. The U.S. has stopped official participation in WHO committees and technical groups that coordinate global surveillance and vaccine-guidance decisions. Known details: - The withdrawal was finalized one year after the administration announced it would end U.S. membership in the 78-year-old organization. - WHO says the U.S. has an unpaid balance exceeding $130 million for 2024 and 2025. - U.S. officials say they are pursuing direct public health relationships with other countries, but they did not provide specifics; U.S. participation in WHO technical bodies has ceased. Summary: The change reduces formal U.S. involvement in WHO governance and shared disease-monitoring systems, such as groups that advise on circulating flu strains. Legal and financial questions remain, including WHO’s position on unpaid dues and expert views that congressional action may be relevant; Undetermined at this time.