The WHO says the US's official withdrawal notice endangers health security at home and abroad, urging global cooperation to maintain safety standards.

The World Health Organization said the official notification of withdrawal by the United States will compromise health security both inside the country and internationally.

The global health agency expressed regret over the decision, warning that the move reduces safety measures across global health systems. Official notification of the planned exit initiates a formal administrative review across the agency's leadership bodies.

Governance and review timeline

The notification creates several administrative and legal questions for the agency. Member states will formalize discussions regarding the exit during upcoming statutory sessions.

The WHO Executive Board will address the issues raised by the withdrawal notification during its regular meeting scheduled to begin on Feb. 2. The executive board comprises representatives from member states responsible for setting health assembly agendas and executing policy decisions.

Further consideration will take place at the World Health Assembly, the primary decision-making body of the health organization, during its annual meeting in May 2026.

Key implications of the decision

The health agency outlined immediate concerns following the formal notice:

• Domestic health risks: The agency stated that leaving the framework makes the United States less safe.
• Global health impacts: International surveillance and response systems face disruption without American participation.
• Administrative review: Executive leadership will examine organizational impacts during the February meeting.
• Assembly evaluation: Member states will hold formal assessments at the May 2026 assembly.

The World Health Assembly brings together delegations from all member nations to determine policies, appoint leadership, and approve budget proposals. The upcoming May 2026 meeting will serve as the broad forum to review the diplomatic and financial ramifications of the U.S. departure.

The WHO Executive Board meeting on Feb. 2 will provide the first formal venue for member nations to evaluate the operational impact of the notification before the full assembly gathers in 2026.