What's Happening?
The Trump administration has announced the official withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision that follows a year after President Trump signed an executive order
to initiate the process. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) criticized the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and accused it of straying from its core mission. The U.S. has been a major financial contributor to the WHO, but the administration highlighted the lack of an American director-general as a point of contention. The U.S. owes over $270 million to the WHO for the 2024-2025 period, and the withdrawal could affect the country's participation in global health initiatives.
Why It's Important?
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO could have significant implications for global health security and the country's ability to respond to international health crises. The WHO is a key player in coordinating global health efforts, and the U.S. has traditionally been a leader in these initiatives. The decision to exit the WHO may limit the U.S.'s access to critical health data and hinder its ability to influence global health policies. Public health experts have expressed concerns that the withdrawal could weaken the U.S.'s ability to address emerging health threats and maintain its leadership role in global health.
What's Next?
The WHO will address the U.S. withdrawal at an upcoming Executive Board meeting. The U.S. has indicated plans to work with other organizations on health surveillance and outbreak response, but the specifics of these plans are unclear. The U.S. will need to establish new frameworks for international health collaboration outside of the WHO, which may prove challenging given the complexity of global health governance. The decision not to rejoin the WHO or participate as an observer suggests a long-term shift in U.S. global health strategy.
