U.S. Withdrawal from the WHO: Implications and Potential Reforms for Rejoining

On January 21, 2026, the United States officially completed its one-year notice period for leaving the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision initially announced by President Donald Trump. This withdrawal has sparked discussions about the future of global health governance and the potential for the U.S. to rejoin the organization under reformed conditions.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

The U.S. exit from the WHO reflects a broader trend of retreat from multilateralism under the Trump administration, which has emphasized an "America First" approach to foreign policy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated this stance, stating that the U.S. is rejecting an outdated model of multilateralism that does not prioritize American interests. This shift has led to a reliance on bilateral agreements, particularly in global health, with 15 African countries signing such agreements by mid-January 2026.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are central figures in this narrative. Rubio has been vocal about demanding accountability from international organizations like the WHO, emphasizing the need for reforms that would enhance the effectiveness of global health initiatives. The U.S. withdrawal has drawn parallels to the Soviet Union's exit from the WHO in 1949, which was followed by a return in 1955 after governance reforms.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

Critics argue that the abrupt U.S. withdrawal from the WHO could have dire consequences for global health, particularly in managing pandemics that require a coordinated international response. The focus on U.S. innovation in health solutions risks undermining local economic development in other countries. The WHO's accountability mechanisms have also been called into question, with calls for a more results-oriented approach to universal health coverage.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

Rubio has stated that the Trump administration is prepared to lead a campaign for reform within the WHO, focusing on accountability, innovation, and trust. He noted that the organization must demonstrate real results to justify U.S. participation. The WHO has developed tools for measuring health outcomes but has struggled to implement them effectively, highlighting the need for a renewed focus on results.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO raises significant questions about the future of global health governance. A return to the organization could hinge on reforms that enhance accountability and trust, particularly in light of criticisms regarding the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential for the U.S. to re-engage with the WHO could reshape global health strategies and improve international cooperation in health emergencies.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

As discussions continue about the potential for U.S. re-engagement with the WHO, the focus will likely be on how reforms can be implemented to address the concerns raised by U.S. leadership. The emphasis on accountability and results may pave the way for a more effective collaboration in global health initiatives, should the U.S. decide to return to the organization.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

• “Last May I wrote in the New York Times, "The golden age of global health as led by the United States is over.” — Author, New York Times

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

• “The Trump Administration is demanding real results from the institutions we fund and participate in, and we stand ready to lead a campaign for reform.” — Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

• “without it we cannot hold ourselves accountable and we cannot hold others accountable.” — Muhammad Pate, Nigerian Health Minister

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return

This comprehensive examination of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO underscores the complexities of global health governance and the potential pathways for reform and re-engagement.

The United States Leaves the WHO. Three Reforms Could Motivate Its Return