Global health leadership is in crisis mode as WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls out the United States' 2025 withdrawal from the organization, labeling its reasoning “untrue” and warning it endangers global safety. The clash comes exactly one year after former U.S. President Donald Trump initiated the exit process.
🗣️ He Said vs. They Said
In a fiery X post this week, Tedros stated: “The WHO has always engaged with the U.S. with full respect for their sovereignty.” This counters claims by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who accused the agency of “repeatedly acting against U.S. interests” during COVID-19.
💸 The $278 Million Question
While Washington claims completed withdrawal, the WHO notes the U.S. still hasn’t paid its 2024-2025 dues – a whopping $278 million shortfall. A WHO official confirmed to media: “The USA has not met its financial obligations.”
📅 What’s Next?
The drama escalates as the WHO Executive Board prepares to discuss the withdrawal at February’s meeting, with final decisions likely at May’s World Health Assembly. Tedros remains hopeful for a U.S. return, emphasizing: “Our mission stays unchanged – health as a fundamental right for all.”
🌐 Why this matters: As the world faces new health challenges in 2026, this rift could impact pandemic preparedness and vaccine equity programs affecting millions.
