US to Leave World Health Organization, January 22, 2026 – National
In a sudden and unexpected move, the United States has announced its decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on January 22, 2026. This dramatic development has sent shockwaves around the globe, raising concerns about the implications for global health, scientific cooperation, and the future of international relations.
According to sources close to the matter, the US government has made the decision following a thorough review of the organization’s performance, citing concerns about the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its response to China’s alleged cover-up of the outbreak in Wuhan. The Trump administration, which has long been critical of the WHO’s handling of global health issues, has accused the organization of being "China-centric" and compromising the global fight against infectious diseases.
The announcement has sparked an immediate backlash from health experts, international leaders, and human rights organizations, who have expressed grave concerns about the potential consequences of the US withdrawal. The WHO, established in 1948, is the United Nations’ specialized agency for international public health, responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the research agenda, setting norms and standards, and providing technical assistance to countries.
Health experts warn that the US departure from the WHO could have significant consequences for global health, particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organization plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to health crises, sharing data, and providing scientific guidance to governments and healthcare professionals. Without US participation, global health efforts could be severely undermined, potentially exacerbating the pandemic and other public health crises.
International leaders, including the heads of the United Nations, European Union, and other major health organizations, have condemned the US decision, citing the importance of international cooperation and collaboration in the face of global health challenges. The WHO, in a statement, expressed regret at the decision, emphasizing its commitment to continue working with member states to strengthen global health.
Human rights organizations have also criticized the move, citing concerns about the potential erosion of global protections for vulnerable populations, including children, women, and marginalized communities. The WHO plays a key role in advancing human rights, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health, HIV/AIDS, and access to essential medicines.
As the US prepares to leave the WHO, the country’s withdrawal will likely have significant implications for the global health architecture. The World Health Assembly, the WHO’s governing body, will need to reconfigure its operations and ensure continued cooperation and collaboration among member states. Meanwhile, the international community will be forced to fill the void left by the US withdrawal, potentially leading to fragmentation and duplication of efforts.
The US decision to leave the WHO marks a dramatic shift in global health politics, underscoring the growing trend of nationalism and isolationism in international relations. As the world grapples with the challenges of the 21st century, including pandemics, climate change, and economic inequality, the need for international cooperation and collaboration has never been more urgent. The implications of the US withdrawal from the WHO will be far-reaching and complex, with potential consequences that will be felt for years to come.
