The United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant shift in Washington’s engagement with global health institutions and multilateral governance frameworks.
U.S. officials cited concerns over governance structures, accountability mechanisms and the need for institutional reform as reasons for the move. The withdrawal is expected to have major implications for global health funding, international disease surveillance and pandemic preparedness efforts.
The United States has historically been one of the WHO’s largest financial contributors and a key participant in global health coordination initiatives. Experts warn that the exit could reduce the organisation’s budget and weaken collective responses to future global health crises.
International reactions have been mixed, with some governments expressing concern over the impact on global health cooperation, while others have called for reforms to strengthen the WHO’s governance framework. Analysts say the decision could reshape international health diplomacy and encourage renewed debates on the future of multilateral health institutions.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – Official statements and policy documents outlining U.S. concerns regarding WHO governance, accountability mechanisms, and institutional reform needs.
- World Health Organization (WHO) – Official responses and financial contribution data highlighting the U.S. role as a major donor and partner in global health coordination.
