In a major geopolitical development, the United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant shift in global health governance. The decision was jointly announced by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department, following longstanding criticisms of WHO’s management during the Covid-19 pandemic. In a symbolic gesture, the American flag was lowered and removed from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, signalling the end of a long-standing partnership.

US officials confirmed that while the country will maintain some limited cooperation during the exit process, it has no plans to rejoin the WHO, even as an observer. A senior US health official emphasised that Washington will instead prioritise bilateral collaboration with other nations on critical global health challenges, including disease surveillance and emergency response systems. This decision reflects the US government’s stated loss of confidence in WHO, which it accuses of mismanagement and failing to implement structural reforms despite repeated requests.

The move stems from policies initiated during the Trump administration, which argued that the WHO displayed poor crisis management during the Covid-19 pandemic. Former President Donald Trump had signed an executive order on his first day in office during his second term, initiating the withdrawal process. Under US law, a one-year notice is required before exiting a United Nations agency, and the formal termination has now been completed.

The withdrawal has sparked controversy over unpaid dues, as WHO claims the United States still owes approximately 260 million dollars for 2024 and 2025 membership fees. A WHO spokesperson stated that a complete separation cannot occur without clearing outstanding payments. US officials, however, rejected this claim, noting that funding had been halted under the Trump administration due to what it described as economic losses caused by the organisation, and that payment of dues was not a precondition for withdrawal.

Experts have raised concerns about the impact of the US exit on global health security. Lawrence Gostin, a global health law specialist at Georgetown University, termed the move a violation of US law. Analysts warn that the exit could hinder WHO’s ability to coordinate international responses to health emergencies, provide critical funding, and maintain disease surveillance networks. The issue is set to be discussed at the upcoming WHO Executive Board meeting in February, where member countries may deliberate on the consequences of America’s departure.

The US decision to withdraw represents not only a challenge to multilateral health cooperation but also underscores a shift towards bilateral and selective engagement in global health initiatives. While Washington maintains that it will continue to collaborate with individual countries on specific health programs, the absence of full US participation could reduce the effectiveness of coordinated responses to future pandemics and public health emergencies.

Observers note that the flag lowering in Geneva is both symbolic and politically significant, marking the end of decades-long American involvement in the WHO. The exit highlights the tension between national interests and multilateral cooperation, as the US asserts its preference for direct bilateral health partnerships over participation in international bodies it considers inefficient or mismanaged.

As the global health community reacts to the development, stakeholders emphasise the need to maintain continuity in disease surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and emergency response coordination, even as the US steps back from WHO membership. The coming months will be critical in determining how limited cooperation with the United States can mitigate the impact on global public health initiatives.

In conclusion, the United States’ official exit from WHO, the removal of the American flag in Geneva, and the pivot to bilateral engagement signal a new phase in international health diplomacy, raising questions about global governance, pandemic preparedness, and the future role of major powers in multilateral institutions.

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