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US officially exits World Health Organization, accusing agency of straying ‘from its core mission’ – ABC News

US officially exits World Health Organization, accusing agency of straying 'from its core mission' - ABC News

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U.S. Exit from World Health Organization: What California Families Need to Know About Global Health Policy Changes and Your Estate Planning

Source: ABC News – U.S. Officially Exits WHO

Who This Affects: California Residents Managing Health Directives and Family Protection Plans

If you’re a California resident with aging parents, managing healthcare directives, or planning your family’s long-term security, the United States’ official withdrawal from the World Health Organization has implications you should understand. This change affects how our country monitors and responds to global health emergencies—which directly impacts the healthcare landscape your estate planning documents will need to navigate.

What Just Happened? The U.S. Completes WHO Withdrawal

On January 22, 2026, the United States officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization, exactly one year after President Trump signed the executive order initiating the process.The Department of Health and Human Services and Department of State jointly announced this historic departure.

Why Did the U.S. Leave the WHO?

The Trump administration cited several reasons for the withdrawal:

  • COVID-19 Response Concerns: Officials claimed the WHO delayed declaring COVID-19 a global health emergency and unfairly criticized U.S. travel restrictions during the pandemic.
  • Financial Imbalance: The U.S. argued it contributed disproportionately compared to other nations like China, and noted no American has ever served as WHO director-general despite significant U.S. funding.
  • Mission Drift: HHS officials stated the WHO “strayed from its core mission” and acted contrary to U.S. interests in protecting public health.

    • What Are Public Health Experts Saying?

    Medical and infectious disease specialists have expressed serious concerns about this decision. Ronald Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, called the withdrawal “shortsighted and misguided,” emphasizing that “germs do not respect borders.”

    Key risks identified by health experts include:

  • Reduced ability to surveil emerging threats like Ebola
  • Compromised tracking of annual flu outbreaks
  • Diminished capacity to match vaccines to circulating flu strains
  • Loss of critical global health cooperation mechanisms

    • The Financial Question: Does the U.S. Owe Money?

    According to United Nations criteria, countries leaving the WHO must give one year’s notice and pay all outstanding dues. The U.S. currently owes more than $270 million to the WHO for the 2024-2025 period.However, U.S. officials argue they are not obligated to pay under the WHO Constitution adopted in 1948.

    What Happens Next?

    The WHO will address the U.S. withdrawal at its upcoming Executive Board meeting scheduled for early February 2026.Meanwhile, HHS stated there are no current plans to rejoin the WHO or even participate as an observer.

    The U.S. claims it will maintain global health leadership through:

  • More than 2,000 HHS staff members deployed across 63 countries
  • Bilateral agreements with hundreds of nations
  • Alternative partnerships for surveillance, diagnostics, and outbreak response

    • How This Impacts California Families and Your Estate Planning

    For California residents concerned about protecting their families, this policy shift underscores the importance of comprehensive estate planning that accounts for healthcare uncertainty:

  • Advance Healthcare Directives: With potential gaps in global disease surveillance, having clear medical decision-making documents becomes even more critical
  • Financial Power of Attorney: Unexpected health crises could arise with less warning—ensure someone you trust can manage your finances if you’re incapacitated
  • Living Trusts and Probate Avoidance: Protecting your assets from lengthy probate proceedings ensures your family has resources available during health emergencies
  • Multi-Generational Planning: Consider how changing global health dynamics might affect your children’s and grandchildren’s futures

    • Protect Your Family’s Future with Comprehensive Estate Planning

    At California Probate and Trust, PC, we help California residents create transparent, family-centered estate plans that protect what matters most—regardless of what changes happen in the world around us. Our experienced Sacramento-based attorneys offer free consultations to assess your unique situation and develop customized solutions.

    Schedule your free estate planning consultation today:

  • Call (866)-674-1130
  • Visit CPT.Law
  • Offices in Fair Oaks, Sacramento, and San Francisco

    • We’ve helped thousands of California families secure their legacies through revocable trusts, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and comprehensive probate solutions.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is based on publicly available sources and general legal principles applicable to California residents. Estate planning needs vary significantly based on individual circumstances, family dynamics, asset composition, and specific goals. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this article. For personalized legal guidance regarding your estate planning, probate, trust administration, or healthcare directive needs, please schedule a consultation with a qualified California estate planning attorney. Laws and regulations are subject to change, and the application of law to specific facts depends on many factors. California Probate and Trust, PC makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information presented.