United States Withdraws from World Health Organization

The United States is withdrawing from the World Health Organization, with a formal exit scheduled for 2026. The move follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January, driven by Republican criticism of the organization's political independence and opposition to a proposed global pandemic treaty.

As the largest sponsor of the agency, the U.S. contributed $1.2 billion in 2023 and nearly 15% of the budget for the period ending in 2025. To manage the resulting budget crisis, the World Health Organization cut its 2026–2027 budget by 20% to $4.2 billion and increased mandatory member contributions by 20%.

The Government of China is moving to fill the funding void, announcing a $500 million contribution, a sharp increase from its previous $39 million. Other entities, including the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, have pledged funds to help close the gap, with Novo Nordisk providing nearly $58 million through its philanthropy foundation.