What's happened
The United States has officially exited the World Health Organization after a year of warnings. The decision, announced by the Biden administration, reflects concerns over the organization's pandemic management and financial issues. The US will now limit its engagement with WHO, focusing on bilateral health efforts.
What's behind the headline?
The US departure from WHO marks a major shift in global health diplomacy. It weakens international disease surveillance and response systems, risking delayed detection of outbreaks. The decision benefits domestic political narratives but undermines long-term global health security. The US's focus on bilateral efforts may reduce the effectiveness of coordinated responses, especially in pandemics. The financial strain on WHO will likely lead to staff cuts and reduced capacity, further impairing global health efforts. This move signals a retreat from multilateralism that could have lasting repercussions for international health governance.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the US will only work with WHO in a limited capacity, recalling staff and ending funding, citing failures in pandemic management. The New York Times highlights concerns over the impact on global health cooperation, with experts warning of increased risks from emerging threats. SBS emphasizes the financial crisis triggered by the US withdrawal, including WHO budget cuts and staff reductions. AP News notes the US owes over $130 million and the potential loss of early warning data, with critics calling the move 'shortsighted and misguided.' Reuters details the legal and financial complexities of the withdrawal, including the US's unilateral decision to pause funding and the potential violation of law. Overall, the coverage underscores the significant risks and uncertainties stemming from this decision, with experts warning of diminished global health security and cooperation.
How we got here
President Donald Trump announced the US withdrawal from WHO in 2025, citing mishandling of COVID-19 and political influence. The US owed over $130 million and had paused future funding, leading to a significant financial crisis for WHO. The move was part of broader US disengagement from UN agencies, impacting global health initiatives and cooperation.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What’s Really Going On With the US Economy and Foreign Policy in 2026?
In 2026, the US is experiencing a mix of economic resilience and major foreign policy shifts. Despite strong GDP growth, many Americans feel the pinch of stagnant wages and rising costs. Meanwhile, the US is making bold moves like withdrawing from the WHO, raising questions about global health and trade. Curious about what these changes mean for everyday Americans and the world? Keep reading to find out.
-
What’s really happening with the Minnesota ICE crackdown and protests?
The situation in Minnesota has escalated rapidly, with federal immigration agents clashing with local officials and residents. The deployment of thousands of ICE agents, the fatal shooting of Renee Good, and the threat of military intervention have sparked widespread concern and protests. Many are asking: Why is this happening? What are the legal and political implications? Here’s a breakdown of the key questions and answers to help you understand the complex crisis unfolding in Minnesota.
-
Why is the US leaving the WHO and what does it mean for global health?
The United States has recently announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move raises many questions about the reasons behind it and the potential impact on global health efforts. People are wondering why the US decided to step back from WHO, how this might affect international cooperation on health issues, and what it means for future pandemic management. Below, we explore these questions and more to help you understand the implications of this significant development.
-
What Are the Global Implications of the US Withdrawing from the WHO?
The United States' decision to exit the World Health Organization marks a significant shift in global health politics. This move raises questions about how other countries will respond, whether new international health alliances will form, and what it means for future pandemics. Understanding these implications is crucial as the world navigates a changing landscape of global health cooperation.
More on these topics
-
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution, which establishes the agency's governing structure and principles, states its main objective as "the attainment
-
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
William Henry Gates III is an American business magnate, software developer, investor, and philanthropist. He is best known as the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation.
-
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is an Ethiopian biologist, public health researcher, and official who has been Director-General of the World Health Organization since 2017. Tedros is the first African in the role, and was endorsed by the African Union. He play
-
The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.