US to leave World Health Organisation on Jan 22, 2026, says UN
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The US departure from the WHO will likely put at risk programmes across the organisation, according to experts.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – The United States will leave the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Jan 22, 2026, the United Nations said on Jan 23, after being formally notified of the decision by US President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of mishandling the pandemic and other international health crises.
Mr Trump announced the move on Jan 20,
Mr Trump must give a one-year notice of US withdrawal from the Geneva-based body and pay Washington’s dues under a 1948 joint resolution of the US Congress.
The US is by far the WHO’s biggest financial backer, contributing around 18 per cent of its overall funding. WHO’s most recent two-year budget, 2024 to 2025, was US$6.8 billion (S$9.2 billion). It was not immediately clear how much the US owes.
“I can confirm we have now received the US letter on the WHO withdrawal. It is dated Jan 22. It would take effect a year from yesterday, on Jan 22, 2026,” said deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq.
The US departure will likely put at risk programmes across the organisation, according to several experts inside and outside the WHO, notably those tackling tuberculosis, the world’s biggest infectious disease killer, as well as HIV/Aids and other health emergencies.
The withdrawal order signed by Mr Trump said the administration would cease negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty while the withdrawal is in progress. US government personnel working with the WHO will be recalled and reassigned, and the government will look for partners to take over necessary WHO activities, according to the order.
Mr Trump’s order for a withdrawal from the WHO was not unexpected. He took steps to quit the body in 2020
