The corresponding statement was published on Thursday, January 22, on the website of the US Department of Health and Social Services. At the same time, as indicated by Bloomberg and Reuters, the American authorities have not paid the debt owed by the organization in the amount of about 260 million dollars. The AP agency estimates it at more than $130 million.
The American side, in particular, explained the withdrawal from the WHO by "the organization's inappropriate response to the COVID-19 pandemic that arose in Wuhan, China, and its inability to adopt urgently needed reforms and demonstrate independence from the undue political influence of WHO member states." dw.com.
US President Donald Trump signed a decree on the country's intention to withdraw from WHO on January 20, 2025, on the very first day after returning to the White House. Reuters and Bloomberg explain the completion of the withdrawal from the organization after a year by the requirements of American law: notification of such plans must be sent 12 months in advance. Also, the law, as indicated by the agencies, assumes payment of all outstanding fees.
