The US has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), leaving behind a significant financial gap. As of January 22, 2026, the country will no longer be a member, following a one-year withdrawal process mandated by a 1948 congressional resolution. The Trump administration cut ties immediately after announcing the decision last year, citing issues with the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived favoritism towards China.

The financial fallout is substantial. The US owes the WHO $278 million in unpaid dues, which are based on a percentage of the country's gross domestic product. These funds were intended to cover the 2024-2025 membership period, as the WHO operates on a two-year budget cycle. In addition, the US had pledged $490 million in voluntary contributions for various health programs, although some of these funds may have been partially disbursed.

The WHO has already begun implementing cost-cutting measures, including freezing recruitment, restricting travel, and making meetings virtual. Staff reductions are expected, with the workforce potentially decreasing by 22 percent by mid-2026. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the US withdrawal as a 'lose-lose situation,' highlighting the loss of US access to global health intelligence and weakened international health security.

This decision comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and the WHO, with the Trump administration previously attempting to withdraw during its first term. The Biden administration initially reversed this decision but did not rejoin in time to prevent the current withdrawal. The impact on global health initiatives, particularly in areas like pandemic response and disease control, remains a significant concern for the international community.