By Suleman Chitera
The United States is set to officially withdraw from the World Health Organisation today, according to international media reports, despite widespread warnings that the move could undermine both US and global health systems.
The withdrawal is also reported to be in breach of US law, which requires Washington to clear outstanding membership arrears—estimated at about US$260 million (over K450 billion)—before exiting the UN health agency.
Former president Donald Trump initiated the withdrawal process in 2025.
The decision has already plunged the WHO into a severe financial crisis, forcing the organisation to slash its management team by half, reduce operational budgets, and lay off nearly a quarter of its workforce—raising concerns about its capacity to respond to global health emergencies.
