UN Receives Formal Request from US to Withdraw from World Health Organization in 2026
In a move that has sent shockwaves around the world, the United Nations (UN) has confirmed receipt of a formal letter from the government of the United States, announcing its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) effective January 22, 2026.
According to UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, President Donald Trump's decision to pull out of WHO was formally received on Wednesday, and it would take effect a year from yesterday. The move is seen as a significant blow to global health efforts, following Trump's pledge on Monday - his first day in office - to withdraw the US from WHO and cease future funding.
The withdrawal from WHO comes at a time when the organization needs its most important financial backer, with the US contributing nearly 18% of WHO's budget, amounting to approximately $261m between 2024 and 2025. This loss is expected to significantly impact the organisation's ability to address major health crises such as tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
The decision marks a reversal for Trump, who had initially accused WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic during his first term in office back in 2020. However, his attempt to withdraw from the organization was thwarted when he lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, who immediately withdrew the order once in office.
WHO officials have expressed regret over the announced departure and hope that Trump will reconsider his decision, engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain a partnership between the US and WHO.
However, experts have raised concerns about the legality of Trump's unilateral decision to withdraw from WHO without congressional approval. Jean Galbraith, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, said: "US membership in WHO was established by Congress, so a withdrawal would require Congressional approval."
Lawrence Gostin, director of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University, warned that Trump's decision is "catastrophic" and could be challenged in court. "His decision is too catastrophic to be made without Congress and the courts," he said.
As a result, several health experts are considering filing lawsuits against the US government over its withdrawal from WHO, citing concerns about public health implications.
The loss of US funding will have far-reaching consequences for global health efforts, and it remains to be seen how this development will play out in the coming months.