Will Armenia Follow the U.S. in Withdrawing From WHO?

The Armenian Report reached out to Armenia’s Ministry of Health to inquire about the country’s stance on remaining a member of the World Health Organization (WHO), especially in light of recent decisions by the United States to withdraw from the organization. Given Armenia’s growing alignment with the United States in recent years, the question arose whether the country is considering a similar course of action.

After five business days, the Health Ministry provided a brief response, stating that "the issue is not within the scope of the authorities of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia." This suggests that any potential decision on withdrawing from WHO would fall under the jurisdiction of higher governmental bodies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the executive leadership.

In an additional response, Ani Badalyan, the spokeswoman for Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, clarified the government’s general position, stating, "If any country leaves an organization, it doesn’t mean that others should follow them."

Armenia’s Collaboration with WHO

To better understand Armenia’s relationship with the WHO, The Armenian Report posed several questions to the Health Ministry, including inquiries about the benefits the country has received from WHO membership and the level of collaboration between Armenia and the international health body.

The Ministry outlined the critical role WHO has played in Armenia’s healthcare sector since the country joined the organization in 1992. The WHO Armenia Office, established in 1994, has been a key partner in addressing public health challenges, formulating policies, and improving healthcare systems.

Armenia and WHO operate within the framework of Biennial Collaborative Agreements (BCA), which define cooperation priorities. The current agreement for 2024-2025 focuses on:

• Combatting infectious and non-communicable diseases

• Promoting mental health and healthy lifestyles

• Improving maternal and child healthcare

• Strengthening primary healthcare services

• Enhancing emergency response and preparedness

  
  

These collaborations align with Armenia’s 2021-2026 health priorities and WHO’s broader global and regional strategies, including the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.

WHO’s Role in Saving Armenian Lives

When asked whether WHO has played a role in saving lives in Armenia, the Health Ministry said the organization's contributions during critical emergencies, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 fuel depot explosion in Nagorno-Karabakh.

During the pandemic, the Ministry says that the WHO provided Armenia with essential medical supplies, expertise, and rapid response teams from countries like Lithuania, France, the UK, and Germany. These teams worked alongside Armenian health professionals, offering direct medical services and sharing best practices.

Following the 2023 Nagorno-Karabakh deadly explosion, WHO activated its Emergency Medical Team Coordination Mechanism, dispatching specialized teams to assist Armenian doctors in treating burn victims. The Ministry thanked the WHO’s intervention, where several patients were transferred to top medical facilities in Europe and the United States for advanced treatment.

Armenia’s Future with WHO

Although some nations have chosen to sever ties with WHO, Armenia’s current position suggests a continued partnership. The extensive support Armenia receives from WHO in public health and crisis response appears to reinforce the country’s commitment to remaining within the organization for the foreseeable future.

Trump’s Withdrawal from WHO

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The withdrawal process requires a one-year notice period, meaning the U.S. will officially exit the WHO on January 20, 2026.

The WHO has expressed regret over the U.S. decision emphasizing the organization's critical role in global health and its long-standing partnership with the United States since 1948.