health
January 23, 2026
U.S. completes withdrawal from World Health Organization, hampering global response to outbreaks
Updated on: January 22, 2026 / 6:33 PM EST / CBS/AP
TL;DR
- The U.S. has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization.
- The U.S. owes more than $130 million to the WHO.
- Withdrawal impacts global response to outbreaks and vaccine development.
- Experts predict hundreds of thousands of excess deaths due to the U.S. exit.
- Concerns exist about lost access to crucial international health data.
- The withdrawal affects initiatives like polio eradication and maternal/child health programs.
- The U.S. is no longer participating in WHO committees, including those for flu strain assessment.
- Disagreements exist regarding the U.S. obligation to pay outstanding dues before withdrawal.
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