Bloomberg reports that the American debt to the WHO amounts to about $260 million. At the same time, according to the Associated Press, this amount may exceed $130 million.
The reasons for the withdrawal from the organization cited by Washington include the WHO's inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in Wuhan, China. The U.S. administration also expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of necessary reforms and the WHO's independence from the political influence of member countries.
According to Reuters, the United States was the largest financial donor to the WHO, contributing about 80% of the organization's total budget.
In light of the U.S. withdrawal, the WHO plans to reduce its workforce by approximately a quarter by mid-2026.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an order to withdraw from the WHO on January 20 of last year, the first working day after his return to the White House.
The completion of the withdrawal after a year is related to the requirements of U.S. legislation, which states that a withdrawal notice must be submitted 12 months in advance. The law also requires the payment of all existing debts.
