Why in the News?
On 23 January 2026, the United States formally withdrew from the World Health Organization after Donald Trump restarted the exit process at the beginning of his second term.
Background
- US announced withdrawal on Day 1 of Trump’s second term in 2025 through an executive order
- Decision based on allegations that WHO failed in handling COVID 19
- US confirmed it will not rejoin or participate even as an observer
Financial Dimension
- US was WHO’s largest single contributor
- Outstanding unpaid dues around 260 million dollars
- All US funding to WHO has been stopped
- Under US law, one year notice is required, but payment obligation is legally disputed
WHO’s Response
- WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged the US to reconsider
- Warned of global public health fallout
- WHO may cut up to 25 percent of its workforce due to funding gap
| [2022] In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, Consider the following statements:Â
1. The 24-hour mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 15 μg/m³ and annual mean of PM 2.5 should not exceed 5 μg/m³ 2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather 3. PM 10 can penetrate the long barrier and enter the bloodstream 4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 3 and 4 (b) 1 and 4 only (c) 2, 3 and 4 (d) 1 and 2 only |
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