President Donald Trump has officially begun the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The move, justified by accusations of mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and financial inequities, signals a major shift in America’s approach to global health.
What Is the World Health Organization?
Founded in 1948, the World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized United Nations agency tasked with addressing global health challenges. It plays a critical role in monitoring and responding to public health emergencies, supporting health initiatives, and promoting equitable access to medical resources.
The WHO’s key functions include:
- Managing Health Crises: Coordinating responses to pandemics like COVID-19 and past outbreaks of Ebola and Zika.
- Providing Health Data: Sharing timely research and statistics to guide global healthcare strategies.
- Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Assisting member nations in improving public health infrastructure.
- Promoting Global Health Equity: Advocating for accessible vaccines and treatments worldwide.
The WHO comprises 194 member countries and operates on a biennial budget of approximately $6.8 billion for 2024–2025. Historically, the United States has been its largest contributor, providing around 18% of the total funding.
Why Is the U.S. Leaving the WHO?
President Trump’s executive order outlines several reasons for withdrawing:
- COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Trump accused the WHO of mishandling the early stages of the pandemic and failing to hold China accountable for its role in the outbreak.
- Political Influence: The administration claimed the WHO operates under undue political influence from certain member states, particularly China.
- Financial Disparities: Trump criticized the U.S.’s disproportionately high contributions compared to countries like China, which pays significantly less despite its larger population.
“World Health ripped us off,” Trump said during the signing. “Everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore.”
The order halts future U.S. funding to the WHO, reallocating resources to domestic and international health initiatives.
Implications of U.S. Withdrawal
Global Health Challenges
The U.S. departure could significantly impact the WHO’s ability to:
- Respond to Global Crises: The organization relies on U.S. funding and expertise for its operations.
- Coordinate Health Data Sharing: Agencies like the CDC risk losing access to critical global health data provided by the WHO.
- Address Future Pandemics: Reduced resources may hinder the WHO’s preparedness and response to emerging health threats.
Health experts like Dr. Ashish Jha, a former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, have warned that the withdrawal creates a leadership vacuum that could empower China to expand its influence within the organization.
Financial and Legal Considerations
Under international agreements, the U.S. must provide a one-year notice and fulfill its financial obligations before fully exiting. This means the U.S. will continue funding the WHO through January 2026.
The Bigger Picture
What Does the WHO Do Without U.S. Support?
With the U.S. making it’s exit, the WHO faces challenges in maintaining its budget and operational capacity. Member countries like China may step in to fill the funding and leadership void, potentially shifting the organization’s priorities and focus.
The U.S. and Future Pandemics
The decision raises questions about how the U.S. will handle future health crises without the WHO’s network and resources. Critics fear that this move isolates the U.S., making it more vulnerable to global health threats.
President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization reflects his administration’s broader stance on international institutions. While the move aligns with Trump’s “America First” agenda, it has sparked widespread concern over its potential impact on global health security and U.S. influence.
