The United States has officially left the World Health Organization (WHO). The US Health and Foreign Departments confirmed that America is no longer a member of the global health body. The US flag has been removed from outside the WHO headquarters in Geneva.

The US said it will work with the WHO only in a limited way to complete the exit process. A senior health official said the country will now work directly with other nations to track diseases and manage health issues.

This decision comes despite repeated warnings over the past year that leaving the WHO could harm health services in the US and worldwide. Under US law, a one-year notice and full payment of pending dues are required to leave.

According to the WHO, the US still owes about 260 million dollars in unpaid fees.