Trump halts WHO funding, recalls staff
World
By
Esther Nyambura
| Jan 23, 2026
US officially exits World Health Organisation. [AFP]
President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on all US funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) and directed that American personnel working with the agency be recalled or reassigned.
The move comes as the United States formally withdraws from the global health body, according to news agencies.
In a presidential action issued on January 20, the White House noted that the decision to withdraw from WHO follows the mishandling of COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises.
It also cited WHO’s failure to adopt needed reforms and concerns about the organization’s independence from political influence by member states.
READ MORE
Kenya's push to maximise Sh95 billion circular economy
Interest income, foreign exchange trade: Where banks cut earnings in 2025
Domestic workers push for rights as Kenya eyes key labour reforms
Britam profit jumps 10pc to Sh5.5b despite rise in claims
What is the future of trade unions in the current world?
PS lauds Safaricom for advancing AI to boost job creation, spur digitisation
CAK raids Foam Mattress firms in probe into anti-competitive practices
For SMEs, health protection is business protection
Kenya finalises aquaculture policy to boost fish production
Inside Afreximbank's Trade Push to Shield Africa from Global Shocks
“WHO continues to demand unfairly onerous payments from the United States, far out of proportion with other countries’ assessed payments. China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO.”
Following the decision, the Secretary of State and the Office of Management and Budget have been directed to pause future transfers of US government funds, support, or resources to WHO, and to recall and reassign US personnel working with the organisation.
"The Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall take appropriate measures, with all practicable speed, to pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO and recall and reassign United States Government personnel or contractors working in any capacity with the WHO," read the action.
Officials are also tasked with identifying alternative domestic and international partners to take over programs previously managed by WHO.
In addition, the US will cease participation in negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations, with the White House noting that any actions under these frameworks will have no binding effect on the United States.