Overview
- The United States has completed its withdrawal from the WHO and halted funding that previously accounted for about one‑fifth of the agency’s budget.
- Director‑General Tedros says he is raising money and restructuring after letting go of roughly 600 of about 10,000 staff.
- He warns that abrupt aid cuts have already cost lives and argues that countries must boost self‑reliance in health financing.
- Despite the split, Tedros reports ongoing contact with U.S. officials, crediting Health Secretary Bobby Kennedy and the president for support in evacuating more than 300 children from Gaza.
- The WHO defends its stance that all COVID‑19 origin hypotheses remain under review, while U.S. critics press for reform and cite past concerns over China, travel expenses, and COVAX transparency.