It's now official. On Thursday, January 22, 2026 , the United States formalized its definitive withdrawal from the World Health Organization , following a one-year notice period. This far-reaching decision marks a major turning point in global health governance.

Driven by the Trump administration, this move reflects a stated desire to break with what Washington considers the ineffective management of past major health crises. US authorities are also refusing to pay their outstanding contributions, arguing that their country's financial commitment no longer corresponds to the benefits received.

With this departure, the WHO loses nearly 18% of its budget , a considerable shortfall for an organization already facing multiple health emergencies worldwide. This financial cut directly threatens essential programs, including epidemiological surveillance , rapid pandemic response, vaccination, and assistance to the most vulnerable countries.

Beyond the budgetary aspect, this decision raises serious concerns about the future of international cooperation in health. The absence of the United States, a central player in the global health system, risks weakening coordination in the face of future crises and further fragmenting the global response to health threats.

For many observers, this withdrawal represents far more than a financial disengagement: it symbolizes a political and strategic rift in a world where health challenges know no borders. As pandemics, emerging diseases, and humanitarian emergencies multiply, global health is entering a zone of uncertainty.

The American departure from the WHO will remain a historic event , the repercussions of which could be felt for a long time, far beyond the walls of the Geneva-based organization.