Health US exit from WHO and freeze on aid puts humanitarian work at risk

Donald Trump has announced that the US will exit the World Health Organization and suspend all foreign aid for three months, in a move that will leave critical humanitarian work in jeopardy and threaten the global fight against infectious diseases.

- Kat Lay Caroline Kimeu Oliver Holmes

In an executive order signed on his first day in office, Trump declared that the US would leave the UN global public health agency in 12 months' time and stop all financial contributions to its work.

Washington is by far the WHO's biggest financial backer, contributing about 18% of its overall funding. The Geneva-based agency's most recent two-year budget, for 2024-25, was $6.8bn (£5.5bn).

In a separate executive order, Trump announced a pause on foreign development assistance for 90 days pending a review, in a move that will leave aid organisations scrambling to see if they are affected.

WHO projects across the world are seen as a vital backup for health crises, with the agency taking the lead in combating diseases, particularly in poorer countries and conflict zones. It has coordinated international responses to mpox, Ebola and polio.

In a statement released yesterday, the WHO said it "regrets" the announcement, adding that it "plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans".