The United States has officially announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived political influence, and financial disparities among member countries. .
This decision, outlined in an executive order signed on January 20, 2025, marks a significant policy shift, reversing the previous administration’s decision to rejoin the World Health Organization. The executive order said the motivations for the withdrawal included the WHO’s failure to adopt important reforms, its mishandling of the global health crisis, and its reliance on unfairly provided funds from the United States. .
“The WHO has demonstrated its inability to act independently of the political influence of member states,” the order said, highlighting disparities in funding. For example, despite having a population of 1.4 billion, China contributes nearly 90% less to the WHO than the United States.
The main provisions of the Executive Order include:
The order also directs the Secretary of State to notify the United Nations and WHO of the withdrawal and to cease participating in negotiations related to amendments to the WHO Pandemic Agreement and the International Health Regulations.
The move follows years of tension between the U.S. and the WHO, with critics saying the organization mismanaged early warnings about the coronavirus, failed to hold member states accountable, and faced political pressure. It claims that the company allowed its credibility to be undermined by the
This departure has sparked debate among medical experts and policy makers. Supporters say the decision restores U.S. sovereignty over global health efforts and addresses financial inequality. Opponents warn it could undermine global efforts to combat the pandemic and weaken the United States’ influence in global health governance.
The withdrawal process is expected to take effect in accordance with international protocols, with the administration underscoring its commitment to protecting global health through alternative partnerships.