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US Withdraws From World Health Organization, Citing Size and Inefficiency
The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), with senior officials arguing the agency has become too large and slow to respond to global health threats.
According to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Kennedy, Washington has halted all funding and staffing tied to WHO programs. They said the US will instead pursue direct health partnerships with other nations, focusing on transparency and measurable outcomes.
Former President Donald Trump had pledged to exit the WHO on his first day in office. His order accused the agency of restricting access to crucial data during the COVID-19 pandemic and allowing political considerations to influence decision-making.
The administration also claimed the WHO resisted the move, disputing US financial obligations and refusing to return an American flag displayed at its headquarters.
The withdrawal is part of a broader campaign to distance the US from international bodies. Earlier in the month, the White House confirmed plans to leave 35 non-UN groups and 31 UN agencies, including the UN Population Fund, International Law Commission, and UN Energy.
Officials argue the strategy will protect national sovereignty and security. They insist global health cooperation can continue without the WHO and large international bureaucracies.
