The U.S. has completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said on Jan. 22. This finalized a longstanding goal of President Donald Trump, which he announced on the first day of his presidency last year. HHS said the decision reflected failures by the United Nations (UN) health agency in its management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During Trump’s first presidency, his administration formally began a withdrawal from the WHO. However, four years later in 2021, then-President Joe Biden halted the U.S. exit from the UN health agency.

HHS stated that the U.S. will work with the WHO only in a limited capacity to execute the withdrawal. The HHS said the government ended its funding to the WHO. Under U.S. law, it was supposed to give one-year’s notice and pay all outstanding fees—around US$260 million—before departing, Reuters reported. However, a U.S. State Department official disputed that the statute requires any payment before withdrawal.

The U.S. will still work with countries and trusted health institutions, HHS said. It aims to share best practices, strengthen preparedness, and protect communities through a more focused, transparent, and effective model that delivers real outcomes.

On Thursday, Reuters reported that the U.S. flag had been removed from outside the WHO headquarters in Geneva, according to witnesses. Meanwhile, the WHO noted that the U.S. has not yet paid the fees it owes for 2024 and 2025. Looking ahead, member states are scheduled to discuss the U.S. departure and its handling at the WHO’s executive board meeting in February, a WHO spokesperson said.

On Jan. 22, The Clorox Co. entered into an agreement to purchase GOJO Industries, a leader of skin health and hygiene solutions, for US$2.25 billion in cash, including anticipated tax benefits valued at approximately $330 million for a net purchase price of $1.92 billion. Adding Purell to Clorox’s portfolio of brands expands Clorox’s position in health and hygiene for consumers and institutional end users. The transaction is expected to be completed before the end of Clorox’s Fiscal Year 2026, subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions.

Founded in 1946 by Goldie and Jerry Lippman, GOJO has grown to nearly $800 million in annual sales and has a long history of delivering mid-single‑digit growth with a three-year compound annual growth rate of 5%.

Its portfolio of hand hygiene solutions generates more than 80% of revenue through a broad and stable network of B2B distributors underpinned by roughly 20 million soap and sanitizer dispensers that drive recurring demand. The Purell brand holds the No. 1 share position in hand sanitizer across both B2B and retail channels.

“GOJO’s deep commitment to innovation and delivering superior value in skin hygiene has built Purell into one of the most trusted names in homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and businesses around the world —a name that is virtually synonymous with skin hygiene,” said Linda Rendle, chair and CEO of The Clorox Co. “This strong foundation, coupled with a large installed base and deep relationships in the fast-growing B2B channel has driven decades of consistent performance. This is a compelling acquisition that evolves our portfolio and scales our fastest growing, most profitable operating segment—Health and Wellness—as we execute our IGNITE strategy to deliver long-term shareholder value.” 

“This is a momentous day for all of us at GOJO,” said Carey Jaros, president and CEO of GOJO Industries. “GOJO and Clorox are united by our shared commitment to make the world a cleaner and healthier place. I have long admired Clorox’s ability to create great consumer brands and products that are beloved in households around the world. Clorox brings world-class consumer expertise, and they have the resources to accelerate our growth in retail channels. I’m incredibly excited about what’s ahead as we combine our leading brands, talented organizations and complementary capabilities to deliver best-in-class health and hygiene solutions to customers across the world. And I’m proud to carry forward the 80-year legacy of the Lippman Kanfer Family, who founded and led the business for three generations in Northeast Ohio.”

The transaction is expected to accelerate the financial performance of the company, including supporting Clorox’s long-term sales growth target of 3 to 5%.