Global Health Faces Uncertainty as US WHO Withdrawal Looms

The World Health Organization (WHO) faces a significant WHO withdrawal crisis ahead of its annual World Health Assembly (WHA) in May. The WHA, which acts as the WHO's decision-making body, must now address the announced departures of two major member states: the United States and Argentina. Washington's withdrawal became effective on January 22, 2026, one year after President Donald Trump handed the official notice. However, the exit remains contentious. This is because the US still has not fulfilled a critical condition of its 1948 accession agreement: settling all its financial obligations.

Unresolved Financial Dues Fuel the WHO Withdrawal Crisis

The United States, historically the WHO's largest financial donor, owes approximately $260 million in assessed dues for 2024 and 2025. Congress included a provision for withdrawal in 1948, allowing the US to leave only after one year's notice and paying all financial obligations. Therefore, US ally Israel, speaking at the WHO Executive Board meeting in Geneva, argued that member states should not compel countries against their national decisions. Israel’s representative stated there is "no valid reason to further discuss this matter in any WHO forum." Conversely, China voiced astonishment at the board's collective silence. Beijing's representative insisted that major countries must lead by example and cannot "treat the WHO as something to be used as it fits and abandoned when it doesn't." The WHO constitution does not feature a general withdrawal clause, which further complicates the legal interpretation of the US's current status.

Argentina's Exit and the Public Health Funding Gap

Argentina followed the US, submitting its own notice to exit the organization in March. Subsequently, Argentina and Israel introduced a draft resolution to the Executive Board. This resolution explicitly recommended that the May WHA endorse Buenos Aires' withdrawal. Although the board adopted the draft without formal objection, some member states voiced regret over the decision. Argentina's ambassador, Carlos Mario Foradori, maintained that leaving the WHO does not mean "leaving the world." He stated that the country will continue to respect international rules, especially since "Pandemics do not recognise borders." The loss of two major member states has created significant financial pressure. Consequently, the WHO has had to plan staff cuts, impacting its ability to support programs like vaccination drives and outbreak responses. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that the decision is dangerous for both the US and the world, citing ongoing needs for global health security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What financial obligation does the US still owe to the WHO?

The United States owes approximately $260 million in outstanding dues for the 2024 and 2025 fiscal years. Fulfilling this financial obligation was a condition of its 1948 agreement with the WHO for withdrawal.

Q2: When will the final decision on the US and Argentina withdrawal be made?

The World Health Assembly (WHA), the WHO's decision-making body, is expected to address and vote on the formal withdrawal status of both the US and Argentina during its annual meeting in May.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice or replace professional judgment. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.

References

1. WHO assembly to decide on US withdrawal in May - ETHealthworld


2. The U.S. Has Pulled Out of the WHO. Here's What That Means for Public Health - Time.com


3. Has the U.S. Actually Withdrawn from the World Health Organization? - Just Security.org


4. WHO statement on notification of withdrawal of the United States - who.int


5. Global health systems 'at risk' as funding cuts bite, warns WHO - UN News