Amanze Chinonye
The United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), completing a one-year notice period triggered by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on his first day back in office in 2025.
The exit takes effect despite Washington owing an estimated $260 million in outstanding assessed contributions, a move that has sparked legal, financial and global health concerns
The U.S. had been the WHO’s single largest national contributor, accounting for about 18 per cent of the organisation’s overall budget. Its departure has left the UN health agency grappling with a major funding gap, forcing it to announce sweeping cost-cutting measures, including plans to reduce its workforce by roughly a quarter by mid-2026 and slash management positions.
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Under U.S. law and WHO financial rules, member states are expected to settle outstanding dues before withdrawing. According to WHO officials, the unpaid amount covers assessed contributions for 2024 and 2025.
However, the U.S. administration has argued that the organisation’s alleged failures in handling past global health emergencies justified withholding payments, maintaining that previous American contributions more than covered its obligations
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Legal experts say the refusal to clear the arrears raises questions about compliance with domestic statutes governing U.S. participation in international organisations, though no immediate enforcement mechanism exists to compel payment after withdrawal
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned that the U.S. exit weakens global capacity for disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness and coordinated response, describing the loss of U.S. engagement as damaging both to the organisation and to international public health cooperation.
Public health analysts have echoed those concerns, noting that the absence of the United States from WHO decision-making structures could limit information-sharing and slow collective responses to emerging outbreaks. Some experts also caution that the withdrawal may shift influence within the organisation to other major powers.
Despite the formal withdrawal, observers say informal collaboration between U.S. scientists and WHO technical networks may continue on an ad-hoc basis. Meanwhile, the WHO’s executive board is expected to review the financial and operational consequences of the U.S. exit and explore measures to stabilise funding and protect essential health programmes.
The U.S. decision marks one of the most significant ruptures in the history of global health governance, ending decades of American leadership within the WHO and leaving unanswered questions over funding obligations, international cooperation and preparedness for future health crises.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
