It comes exactly one year after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawal on his first day in office, according to a statement by the Department of State. 

The decision was made in response to what Washington called "mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic" by the WHO. 

All US government funding to WHO has been terminated and all personnel and contractors assigned to WHO initiatives have been recalled. 

Washington, however, "will continue its global health leadership through existing and new engagements directly with other countries, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based entities," instead of through the WHO, the statement said.