U.S. Formally Leaves the World Health Organization

January 23, 2026

U.S. Government Ends 78-Year Commitment Despite Public Health Experts' Warnings

The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization has been finalized, the federal government announced on Thursday.

The exit was initiated through an executive order issued shortly after President Donald Trump took office, citing the organization's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. The order also referenced concerns about needed reforms and what the administration characterized as inappropriate political influence from member states on the agency.


Public Health Experts Condemn the Decision


Public health experts say the exit will hamper the nation's ability to produce vaccines and medicines to protect Americans from emerging diseases. They also warn that the withdrawal could undermine global health initiatives, including polio eradication efforts, maternal and pediatric health programs, and research to identify emerging viral threats.


Questions Linger Regarding Public Health Operations


The nation's withdrawal from the global health agency creates lingering questions. By leaving WHO, the U.S. no longer has access to international health data, which, among other applications, could help detect future pandemics early. The country has also ceased participation in WHO committees and technical working groups, including those that assess circulating flu strains and make recommendations for updating annual flu shots.


U.S.'s History of WHO Contribution


According to WHO officials, the U.S. still owes the agency more than $130 million in membership dues and other contributions. America has been among its largest contributors of funding and staffing since co-leading the agency's creation 78 years ago. On average, the nation contributed approximately $111 million annually in member dues and roughly $570 million more in voluntary contributions. Today, nearly every country in the world is part of the group.


WHO's Role in Global Public Health


The WHO serves as the United Nations' specialized health agency, tasked with coordinating responses to global health threats, including outbreaks of infectious diseases. The organization also provides technical assistance to countries with fewer resources, helps distribute vaccines and treatments, and establishes guidelines for numerous health conditions.


Federal Officials Signal Next Steps


Federal officials stated they are working to establish direct data-sharing arrangements with individual countries rather than relying on the WHO as an intermediary. However, specific details about how many such agreements are in place have not been provided.


Some experts have expressed skepticism about whether the U.S. can successfully negotiate bilateral agreements with many nations, particularly those with strained diplomatic relations.


Information in this article was sourced from AP News.

ADHS Issues Standing Orders for Flu, COVID-19 Vaccine Access

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
Statewide orders keep pharmacists and physicians authorized to vaccinate Arizonans amid uncertainty over the next ACIP meeting. Statewide Orders Cover the 2026-27 Flu & COVID Season The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued statewide standing orders supporting access to the 2026-27 influenza and COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arizonans seeking a flu or COVID-19 vaccine should contact their physician or pharmacy to confirm availability. Why the Orders Were Issued Arizona pharmacists may administer vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for international travel, or vaccines authorized under a prescription, including a physician-issued public health standing order. With the timing of the next ACIP meeting uncertain, ADHS worked with the Arizona Board of Pharmacy to issue statewide standing orders for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, which function as a prescription allowing pharmacists and physicians across Arizona to administer them to anyone who wants one. ADHS Medical Advisor Weighs In "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities. The Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines have been proven safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease, reduce pressure on our healthcare system and reduce costs," said Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS public health medical advisor and the 17th U.S. Surgeon General. "We have issued these standing orders to ensure safe and timely access to the vaccines in alignment with scientific and evidence-based guidance." What Arizonans Should Know The standing orders do not require every pharmacy to offer vaccinations, and they do not guarantee insurance coverage for administration. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, so Arizonans should check with their insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. 

Arizona Asks Supreme Court to Halt Prison Health Care Takeover

By Admin User • September 18, 2026
State attorneys seek an emergency stay after lower courts reject bids to delay receivership of the prison health care system. State Makes a Last-Ditch Appeal Attorneys for the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry asked the U.S. Supreme Court this week to delay a court-ordered receivership of the state's prison health care system. The request comes after both a federal district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals declined to pause the takeover. In the recent application, former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, a representative of the department, argued that the state deserves more time to make its case before surrendering control of its operations, including oversight of its employees and health care budget. Roots of the Case The dispute began in 2012 when inmates sued the department, alleging the prison system's inadequate medical, mental health, and dental care amounted to cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment. The case went through years of litigation and a failed settlement agreement. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver ruled that the health care system was "grossly inadequate." The court ordered the prison healthcare system to comply with more than 150 "quality indicators," but according to court-appointed monitors, the department failed to comply with 131 of the measures. In light of this finding, Silver named Annette Chambers-Smith, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, to take over as receiver effective Oct. 19. Arguments on Both Sides Clement argues receivership should be the last resort and that Silver moved to it too quickly. He asserts that the department has made measurable progress, including growing its health care staffing by more than 50%, expanding substance-use treatment access, and adopting a new care model. Corene Kendrick, deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Union National Prison Project, which represents the roughly 25,000 people incarcerated in Arizona prisons, called the department's request a "Hail Mary" and said Silver had given the department years of opportunities to comply before ordering receivership. What Happens Next The Supreme Court has not yet set a deadline for the plaintiffs to respond to the stay request. Separately, the 9th Circuit is now reviewing the merits of the receivership order itself. The department filed its opening brief on Sept. 15, and the plaintiffs' response is due Oct. 15. Information in this article was sourced from the Arizona Mirror .