US walks away from WHO, leaving unpaid tab of US$260 million
Without its top donor, the UN health agency’s work to contain diseases like HIV, polio and Ebola is at risk
One year after President Donald Trump ordered the US to withdraw from the World Health Organization, the process was formally completed on Thursday, though the nation is leaving behind unpaid debt of roughly US$260 million.
All funding to the health agency has been terminated and people working with the WHO have been recalled from all offices and its headquarters, the Department of Health and Human Services said on Thursday.
The US has also ended all participation in WHO-sponsored leadership bodies and working groups.
Trump signed the order to withdraw from the WHO on the first day of his second term, accusing it of mishandling the Covid-19 pandemic, failing to adopt reforms and a lack of independence from “inappropriate political influence”.
To leave from the organisation, the US must provide a one year notice and pay off any debts owed, according to a 1948 Congressional resolution, which the WHO confirmed. A senior HHS official said on a call with reporters there was no requirement in statute to settle the debt before exiting the agency.
The debt totals about US$260 million as calculated by the WHO in January 2025.