BREAKING NEWS: U.S. Officially Pulls Out of WHO, Leaves $260M Unpaid

WASHINGTON, USA: The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its membership and financial support to the UN health agency.

International reports say the U.S. exit leaves about US$260 million in unpaid dues, triggering a major budget gap for the WHO and raising concerns about the future of global disease surveillance and emergency response.

The withdrawal follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in 2025, directing the U.S. to cut ties with the WHO.

The U.S. had been the largest single contributor to the agency, funding nearly 18% of its total budget.

Legal experts, however, argue the move may violate U.S. law, which requires a one-year notice and settlement of outstanding contributions before final withdrawal.

This development is expected to intensify debate over global health cooperation and the WHO’s capacity to operate effectively without its former top donor.