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Analysis and Health

Trump's exit from World Health Organization could backfire on the US

The US contributes around a fifth of the budget for the World Health Organization – its withdrawal from the public health body will impede efforts to control the global spread of diseases and could put the US at risk

By Michael Le Page

21 January 2025

Public health programmes around the world could be cut due to the US leaving the WHO

John Moore/ Getty Images

In one of his first executive orders as president, Donald Trump has begun the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO). One year’s notice is required to retreat from the international public health body, at which time the US will stop contributing funds. The impact could be huge. In recent years the US has contributed nearly a fifth of the WHO’s $6.8 billion budget.

In a statement released with the order, the…

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