The World Health Organization (WHO) opened its annual World Health Assembly on May 18, 2026, in Geneva, bringing together health ministers from member states. The meeting is overshadowed by concerns over a rare hantavirus outbreak and ongoing Ebola virus disease cases, as well as uncertainty surrounding announced withdrawals by the United States and Argentina.
According to WHO reports, the hantavirus outbreak, primarily affecting a cruise ship, has resulted in 12 confirmed cases and 3 deaths as of May 17, 2026. The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen 45 cases and 18 deaths since February 2026, with response efforts hampered by funding gaps.
US President Donald Trump announced on May 14, 2026, that the United States would withdraw from the WHO, citing mismanagement of health crises. Argentina followed on May 16, 2026, with President Javier Milei citing similar concerns. Both withdrawals are subject to a one-year notice period under WHO rules.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged member states to strengthen global health security and called for increased funding to combat emerging threats. The assembly is expected to discuss pandemic preparedness reforms and the WHO's budget for 2027-2028.
