The United States finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, one year after President Donald Trump initially announced the country's intention to end its 78-year membership. The withdrawal leaves the U.S. owing the WHO more than $130 million, according to the organization.

U.S. officials acknowledged that some issues remained unresolved, including potential loss of access to international data crucial for early warnings about emerging pandemics. The WHO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, plays a central role in coordinating global responses to health threats like mpox, Ebola, and polio. It also provides technical assistance to developing nations, facilitates the distribution of vaccines and medical supplies, and establishes international health guidelines.

Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, characterized the withdrawal as a damaging decision, saying it would hinder the global response to outbreaks and impede the ability of U.S. scientists and pharmaceutical companies to develop countermeasures against new threats. "In my opinion, it's the most ruinous presidential decision in my lifetime," he stated.

The U.S. was a founding member of the WHO in 1948 and has historically been its largest single financial contributor. The Trump administration's decision to withdraw stemmed from its criticism of the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly its perceived deference to China. Critics of the withdrawal argued that it would weaken global health security and undermine international cooperation on critical health issues.

The withdrawal took effect amid ongoing global health challenges, including the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and outbreaks of other infectious diseases. The future of U.S. engagement with the WHO remains uncertain, although President Biden has indicated his intention to rejoin the organization. The outstanding financial obligations and the long-term impact on global health initiatives are yet to be fully determined.