US Withdraws from WHO and Rejects Global Health Amendments

On July 18, 2025, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the United States' formal rejection of the World Health Organization's (WHO) 2024 amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR). These amendments, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2024, aimed to enhance global responses to health emergencies by promoting data sharing, increasing funding, and providing medical aid to developing countries.

In a joint statement, Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rubio expressed concerns that the amendments could infringe on national sovereignty and potentially lead to global surveillance and censorship. They criticized the amendments for expanding the WHO's authority over international public health responses without adequate public input. The officials also highlighted apprehensions about the WHO's susceptibility to political interference, particularly from countries like China.

This decision follows the United States' withdrawal from the WHO earlier in 2025. On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14155, directing the withdrawal of the United States from the WHO. The order cited the WHO's alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and perceived susceptibility to political influence as primary reasons for the withdrawal.

The WHO expressed regret over the U.S. decision, emphasizing the organization's critical role in global health and its long-standing partnership with the United States since 1948. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the United States to reconsider its decision, highlighting joint successes such as eradicating smallpox and fighting polio.

The U.S. withdrawal and rejection of the IHR amendments may weaken international collaboration in addressing health emergencies. The United States has been a significant contributor to global health funding, and its withdrawal could create financial shortfalls for health initiatives worldwide. Additionally, the U.S. retreat from the WHO may allow other nations, notably China, to expand their influence in global health governance.

Critics argue that these actions mischaracterize the WHO's role and could weaken global health cooperation. The WHO has been instrumental in eradicating infectious diseases, like smallpox, and controlling contagion. The U.S. withdrawal calls into question the long-term stability of the WHO's funding model and highlights broader power imbalances in global health.

As the global community continues to grapple with health crises, the United States' stance on international health regulations and its relationship with the WHO will likely remain a focal point in discussions about global health governance and cooperation.