U.S. News
Breaking Down the U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: Facts vs. Speculation
By CM Chaney · January 22, 2026
The United States’ formal withdrawal from the World Health Organization marks a significant shift in global health governance, with concrete implications for both international cooperation and domestic health security. Here’s what the move actually changes in practice:
Funding Impact and Timeline
The immediate effect centers on U.S. financial contributions, which according to Kaiser Family Foundation analysis historically represented about 15.6% of WHO’s total revenue. Based on WHO’s latest financial reports, this includes approximately $119 million in assessed contributions and $438 million in voluntary funding that will cease when the withdrawal takes effect.
The formal withdrawal process, as outlined in U.S. statutory requirements, requires a one-year notice period. The administration submitted this notice on January 20, 2025, meaning the withdrawal becomes official on January 23, 2026. State Department officials confirm this timeline aligns with WHO Constitution requirements for member state departures.
Administrative and Operational Changes
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been ordered to cease working and communicating with WHO, according to internal CDC guidance. U.S. government personnel and contractors working with WHO are being recalled and reassigned. Technical collaborations, including participation in WHO advisory panels and research initiatives, are being terminated as part of the transition process outlined in White House memoranda.
Disease Surveillance and Information Sharing
The withdrawal significantly impacts critical operational systems. Public health experts note the U.S. will lose direct access to WHO’s global disease surveillance networks and early warning systems that provide real-time data about emerging health threats. While some information may still be available through bilateral arrangements, the comprehensive global monitoring system will no longer be directly accessible to U.S. health authorities.
Legal and Administrative Status
According to Congressional Research Service analysis, the U.S. must continue paying assessed contributions through the end of WHO’s fiscal year in which the withdrawal notice was given. U.S. participation in ongoing WHO governance processes, including pandemic treaty negotiations and International Health Regulation amendments, will cease. The U.S. seat on the WHO Executive Board will be vacated, as confirmed by WHO procedural documentation.
What Remains Uncertain
Several major impacts remain speculative and cannot be definitively assessed yet. Global health security experts indicate uncertainty around long-term effects on global pandemic preparedness and response capabilities. The impact on international research collaboration and data sharing remains unclear, as do potential shifts in global health leadership and influence. Whether other countries might follow the U.S. example is also unknown.
Looking Ahead
The administration has directed relevant agencies to identify “credible and transparent” partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken through WHO. However, GAO reporting indicates no specific alternative mechanisms have been formally established yet. Congress retains several options regarding the withdrawal, including passing legislation requiring specific authorization for withdrawal, mandating continued funding for certain WHO activities, or setting conditions for potential future re-entry.
The withdrawal becomes final in January 2026 unless reversed before then. A future administration could seek to rejoin, though this would require either Senate advice and consent or new authorizing legislation, according to constitutional law experts.