President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20 to initiate the United States (US) withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). This marked his second attempt to sever US ties with the agency. The WHO is a United Nations specialized agency, established in 1948, that unites 194 member nations to address global public health issues. This organization serves as an integral force against both communicable diseases (coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Zika, and human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV)) and long-term conditions (heart disease, diabetes, and cancer).
The WHO provides essential services like vaccine distribution, combating malnutrition, and offering technical assistance to the regions that were affected by war and poverty. The efforts successfully prevented smallpox, reduced polio infections (99%), and lowered malaria and trachoma cases. WHO generates a biennial budget of $6.8 billion and receives 20% of funding from the US, as it stands among the top contributors.
The COVID-19 pandemic and other worldwide health emergencies have been subjected to persistent accusations from President Trump against WHO for its operational failures. He highlighted the organization’s need for essential reforms and questioned the disproportionate financial contributions of the United States compared to China’s mandatory funding, which amounted to 15%.
Public health experts expressed deep concern about the potential implications of the American withdrawal from the WHO. Dr. Stefano M. Bertozzi from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health expressed serious concern about this move because it may separate the U.S. health agencies and their organizations, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Bertozzi highlighted the WHO functions as a diplomatic venue, that allows nations from diverse political backgrounds to co-operate on worldwide health projects. Public health efforts like emerging infectious disease surveillance would rely on international cooperation to address antimicrobial resistance and prevent laboratory accidents.
The U.S. departure from WHO may disrupt international cooperation regarding worldwide pandemic management. During the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the United States collaborated to manage the initiatives across multiple African nations. Experts argue that WHO faced criticism for shortcomings in its pandemic response about its delays in recognizing airborne transmission and declaring COVID-19 as a pandemic, these issues did not justify the U.S. leaving the organization.
Bertozzi stated that WHO errors may reform and strengthen the organization rather than withdrawing. Exiting would be irrational as its delayed recognition of airborne transmission does not justify an extreme action.
Congressional approval with a one-year withdrawal process should be completed before the U.S. formally leaves the WHO. The Pandemic Agreement faced challenges due to disagreements among governments in 2024 and these issues must be resolved to prevent further complications.
Several European Union members with their key partners including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia expressed distress about the withdrawal and insisted the US may reverse their decision. The WHO faces potential changes in its policies and priorities because China plans to boost its involvement and extend its influence in the organization.
Public health professionals and legislative officials across the United States hold differing views on this issue. Some Republican lawmakers support the withdrawal by arguing that it is necessary to ensure WHO accountability, while others contend that it will weaken U.S. influence in global healthcare decisions. Democratic leaders are preparing to oppose the withdrawal and believe in retaining its leadership role in international health alliances.
The future relationship between the US and WHO depends on pending legal disputes and ongoing political settlements. This withdrawal process could lead to future reversals by the Biden administration or a subsequent administration through actions like the reversal in 2021. The uncertain outlook includes the long-run effects on WHO’s work, global health diplomacy capabilities with readiness to handle pandemics and worldwide health emergencies.
References:
- Schneider. The US intends to leave the World Health Organization. What happens next? Published January 23, 2025. Accessed February 3, 2025. https://theconversation.com/the-us-intends-to-leave-the-world-health-organization-what-happens-next-247997
- U.S. withdrawal from WHO could bring tragedy at home and abroad. Published January 24, 2025. Accessed February 3, 2025. U.S. withdrawal from WHO could bring tragedy at home and abroad | UC Berkeley Public Health
