TNI Bureau: The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), completing a process started a year ago under an executive order signed by President Donald Trump, the White House confirmed on Thursday.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the State Department said the decision was based on the administration’s belief that the WHO failed to meet standards of reform, transparency, and accountability. US officials also criticized the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it delayed declaring a global health emergency.

Under UN rules, countries must give one year’s notice before leaving the WHO, which the US did last year. The United Nations says the US owes more than ₹2,240 crore in unpaid contributions for 2024–2025, though US officials said they do not believe the country is legally required to pay the amount.

The White House said the US will continue global health work outside the WHO, including disease monitoring and outbreak response. However, public health experts have warned that leaving the WHO could weaken international cooperation in tackling global health threats.