The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organisation, citing the global health body’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and failure to implement necessary reforms, the White House announced on Thursday. Over the year, the U.S. stopped funding the organisation, withdrew personnel, and redirected activities previously conducted with WHO to direct engagements with other countries and organisations. WHO was also faulted for failing to implement reforms after the pandemic. PUNCH Healthwise reported that WHO said the U.S. has not paid membership fees for 2024 and 2025, totalling roughly $260 million. WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, expressed regret, saying, “I hope that the US will reconsider its decision and rejoin WHO.

Source: Punch January 23, 2026 08:17 UTC