What's Happening?
The United States has officially completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a year after President Trump announced the decision. This move ends a 78-year commitment to the global
health agency. The U.S. owes approximately $280 million to the WHO, and the withdrawal raises concerns about losing access to international health data crucial for early pandemic warnings. Public health experts, including Lawrence Gostin from Georgetown University, warn that this decision could hinder global responses to health threats and affect U.S. capabilities in vaccine and medicine development. The Trump administration cited dissatisfaction with the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its perceived political biases as reasons for the withdrawal.
Why It's Important?
The U.S. exit from the WHO could significantly impact global health efforts, including initiatives to combat diseases like polio and support maternal and child health programs. The withdrawal may also affect the U.S.'s ability to respond to new viral threats, as it will no longer participate in WHO-sponsored committees and information-sharing networks. This decision could weaken the U.S.'s influence in global health policy and reduce its access to critical health data, potentially compromising national and global health security. The financial and operational void left by the U.S. could challenge the WHO's capacity to manage global health crises effectively.
What's Next?
The U.S. will need to establish new bilateral health data-sharing agreements with other countries to compensate for the loss of WHO-mediated information. However, experts like Gostin express skepticism about the feasibility of such agreements, especially with countries that have strained relations with the U.S. The Trump administration's approach may face legal challenges, as the U.S. joined the WHO through an act of Congress, which typically requires congressional approval for withdrawal. The financial obligations to the WHO remain a contentious issue, with the U.S. disputing the need to settle outstanding dues.
