Overview
- HHS said the withdrawal is complete, all U.S. funding is halted, embedded personnel are recalled, and participation in WHO committees and technical bodies has ended.
- Senior officials said the United States will not seek observer status or rejoin, outlining a shift to bilateral arrangements for disease surveillance and other priorities with further announcements expected.
- WHO says the U.S. owes roughly $260 million in assessed contributions for 2024–2025, though some reporting cites just over $130 million, and the administration disputes any legal obligation to pay before or after withdrawal.
- Global health experts and legal scholars argue the move likely violates U.S. law requiring settlement of financial obligations and warn it will reduce access to data needed for vaccine and treatment development.
- WHO reports budget strain tied to the loss of U.S. support, including program cutbacks, a halved management team, and plans to reduce about a quarter of staff by mid‑2026, with the Executive Board set to review the departure in February.