As global health systems remain on alert for future pandemics, the United States is set to formally exit the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 22nd January. This move could reshape international health cooperation at a critical time.

The decision dates back to President Donald Trump’s first day in office in 2025, when he issued a formal notice of withdrawal from the UN health agency. Under US law, a one-year notice period is mandatory before an exit can take effect. Pending dues must also be cleared before withdrawal. However, according to reports, the US still owes around $260 million in outstanding fees for 2024 and 2025. This raises legal and diplomatic concerns over the withdrawal.

Global health leaders have repeatedly urged Washington to reconsider. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently said that the move would be a loss not just for the United States but for global health at large. He stressed that the world needs strong, collective institutions. This is necessary to respond to health emergencies.

A quick reversal now appears unlikely. Health policy experts say the issue will be discussed at the WHO’s executive board meeting in February. Meanwhile, observers point out that leaving without settling dues could violate US law. Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation and a long-time supporter of global health initiatives, has also indicated that a US return to the WHO does not seem likely in the near term.

For the WHO, the US exit has already triggered a financial crunch. As its largest contributor, the US accounts for nearly 18% of total funding. Because of Washington’s departure, the agency has been forced to halve its senior management team. The WHO has also had to cut budgets across departments. It is planning to reduce its workforce by nearly a quarter by mid-year.

Experts warn that the impact goes beyond finances. Reduced collaboration between the US and the WHO could weaken global systems for detecting, preventing, and responding to health threats. This increases risks not just for developing nations but also for the US itself in an increasingly interconnected world.

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