The U.S. is officially withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO)—and global health experts say the consequences could be devastating.

On January 22, 2026, the Trump administration’s year-long exit process will be finalized. The U.S. will no longer be a member of the only global body responsible for coordinating response to infectious disease outbreaks, pandemic surveillance, and international health threats.

This isn’t just reckless—it’s dangerous.

According to Reuters, the U.S. currently owes the WHO over $260 million in unpaid fees. Under U.S. law, we are required to pay those dues before exiting. Yet the administration is walking away without fulfilling that obligation, in violation of federal law.

Meanwhile, the WHO is entering a financial crisis. It has already begun cutting staff by 25% and scaling back programs that serve millions worldwide—just as new outbreaks and emergencies emerge. Public health leaders, including Bill Gates and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros, are urging the U.S. to reconsider before it’s too late.

We, the undersigned, call on President Trump and the White House to:

• Cancel the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO immediately,
• Pay all outstanding financial commitments required by law,
• Recommit to global partnerships that keep Americans and the world safe from emerging threats.

The world cannot afford for the U.S. to walk away from global health.

From COVID to Ebola, to the next unknown disease—we need science, cooperation, and communication, not isolation.

Tell the White House: The U.S. must rejoin the World Health Organization now. Public health depends on it.