US officially withdraws from the World Health Organization

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Lyndal RowlandsJanuary 23, 2026 at 09:25 AM

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In January 2026, the United States officially withdrew from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking the first time since the WHO's creation in 1948 that the US is not a member. The announcement was made jointly by US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. They cited the WHO's "failures during the COVID-19 pandemic" as the primary reason for the withdrawal, stating that US engagement would now be limited to facilitating the withdrawal and safeguarding American health. All US funding for the WHO has ceased. The WHO has responded to the funding shortfalls by making cuts. The United Nations expressed its desire for the US to remain a full participant in the WHO, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation on health issues.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Gaza 30% Democratic Republic of the Congo 40% UN 40% Stephane Dujarric 40% Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus 50% Donald Trump 60% COVID-19 pandemic 70% Robert F Kennedy Jr ×390% Marco Rubio ×390% United States ×6100% World Health Organization (WHO) ×10100%

Keywords

world health organization 100% us withdrawal 100% who funding 70% covid-19 pandemic 60% global health 50% international relations 40% united nations 40%