The US has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing management failures during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision comes despite warnings that it would harm global public health. The US owed the WHO over $260 million in fees, but a dispute over US law's requirements for payment has emerged. The US plans to work directly with other countries on disease surveillance and public health priorities, rather than through the WHO. This move has sparked a financial crisis, with the WHO cutting its management team and scaling back work. Global health experts urge a re-think, emphasizing the risks to the US, WHO, and the world. The US withdrawal could weaken the systems and collaborations crucial for detecting, preventing, and responding to health threats. The future of global health cooperation hangs in the balance as the US exits the WHO.
