The United States officially exited the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, fulfilling a withdrawal initiated by the Trump administration a year ago. The move, announced July 6, 2020, marks the end of a lengthy process and leaves the global health body without one of its largest financial contributors.

Then-President Donald Trump notified the United Nations in January 2020 of his intention to withdraw, citing concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleging a failure to adopt necessary reforms. The administration accused the organization of being unduly influenced by China and claimed it disregarded early warnings about the virus's severity.

The Biden administration initially signaled a potential reversal of the decision, with President Joe Biden expressing interest in re-engaging with the WHO. However, the formal withdrawal process, initiated under the terms of the WHO’s constitution, required a one-year notice period, making Monday’s departure unavoidable. The US government formally submitted its withdrawal notification to the UN Secretary-General on January 6, 2021.

The WHO, established in 1948, plays a crucial role in international public health, coordinating responses to global health crises, providing technical assistance to countries, and setting health standards. The US withdrawal raises concerns about the organization’s financial stability and its ability to effectively address future health emergencies. While the Biden administration has indicated a commitment to global health security, the timing of the exit presents challenges for re-establishing US engagement and influence within the WHO.

Experts have noted that the US departure diminishes the WHO's capacity to respond to global health threats, and potentially weakens international cooperation on health matters. The organization now faces the task of continuing its work with reduced resources and navigating a more complex geopolitical landscape.