In brief
Newly inaugurated President Trump has signed an executive order to initiate the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move stems from criticisms regarding the agency's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. As the US contributes almost 20% of WHO's budget, the exit raises concerns over global health emergency responses and the potential shift in global health dynamics.
President Donald Trump has officially commenced the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) through an executive order. During his first day in office, Trump, who previously attempted to exit the organization, cited dissatisfaction with the WHO's management of the Covid-19 outbreak and other health crises as primary motivations for this decision. This withdrawal could result in the loss of around 20% of WHO’s budget, as the US is currently its largest financial contributor, injecting approximately $1.4 billion annually into the agency's operations. The executive order criticized the WHO for failing to implement necessary reforms and claimed that the organization exhibited undue influence from its member states, particularly criticizing its perceived bias toward China during the pandemic.Public health experts are warning of the detrimental consequences of this action which could severely limit the WHO's efficacy in responding to health emergencies, like Ebola and potential pandemics. Ashish Jha, former Covid-19 response coordinator under Biden, has emphasized that the withdrawal could endanger not only global health but also undermine US scientific leadership.Prominent health activist Lawrence Gostin described the decision as "cataclysmic," indicating that it would inflict significant damage not only to global health but also to America's standing in international health governance. Concerns also arise around increased Chinese influence within the WHO if the US is no longer contributing significantly to its funding.Despite the numerous warnings against such a move, some proponents argue that this could drive reforms within the WHO, enhancing its ability to serve global public health needs. However, current rhetoric from Washington suggests that Trump's second attempt to withdraw from the WHO is unlikely to facilitate a return to the global healthcare body in the near future.
