US Withdrawal from WHO: Impact on Global Health Initiatives

The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), announced by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2020, has significant implications for global health initiatives. The US is the largest financial contributor to the WHO, providing over 15% of its total funding. The withdrawal, effective January 22, 2026, will result in a loss of $1.3 billion in funding for the 2022-2023 biennium and $958 million for 2024-2025. The US has also provided significant resources for WHO research projects and programs, including the "President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief" (PEPFAR), which has saved 26 million lives. The WHO has announced cost-cutting measures and a review of its programs and priorities in response to the US withdrawal. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has urged the US to reconsider its decision and delay its withdrawal for at least three months.