The WHO regrets the United States' announcement of withdrawal from the organization, which makes the United States and the world less safe. The withdrawal announcement raises questions that will be considered by the WHO Executive Board at its regular meeting starting on February 2. The World Health Assembly will take up the matter at its annual meeting in May 2026. The US withdrawal took effect on Thursday after a one-year notice period expired. The US accuses the WHO of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and will no longer pay contributions, including unpaid $280 million for 2024 and 2025. The US withdrawal has caused a financial crisis at the WHO, including layoffs.[1][2][4][6]