U.S. Withdraws from World Health Organization

The U.S. has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant shift in its global health policy. This decision raises questions about the future of international cooperation in addressing global health crises. The withdrawal may impact the U.S.'s role in global health initiatives, research funding, and collaboration with other nations. It also has implications for global efforts to combat pandemics, diseases, and public health challenges.

Experts are calling President Trump's executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) a "cataclysmic" decision, saying it could significantly impact global health responses.

On his first day in office, President Trump signed an executive order that removed the United States from the WHO, an international coalition dedicated to tackling global health crises. Experts argue this decision will hinder the U.S.'s ability to effectively address health emergencies like pandemics, leaving the nation vulnerable to emerging diseases. They also warn that it could weaken the WHO's capacity to handle new health threats.

Trump justified his move by criticizing the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and pointing to the financial burden the U.S. shoulders in funding the organization. He stated that China should contribute more, given its population size, in comparison to the U.S.

The withdrawal will result in the U.S. losing access to critical data from the WHO, which monitors emerging global health threats. Public health experts, including Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University, emphasize that this decision could leave Americans exposed to diseases like Marburg, a viral outbreak the WHO recently managed to contain. Moreover, they suggest that diseases previously eradicated through vaccination could make a comeback, and the U.S. might not have the necessary information to prevent or respond to these crises.

Elisha Dunn-Georgiou, head of the Global Health Council, noted that the U.S. would face difficulties accessing vital health data and may lose its influence in international health negotiations. The withdrawal weakens the nation's global health leadership, especially in pandemic response.

Trump's executive order also empowers the National Security Affairs Assistant to establish new frameworks to safeguard public health, though specifics were not provided. The U.S. is also expected to reduce its funding to WHO, which will have significant consequences on global health programs, particularly those focused on vaccines and maternal health.

In addition to the criticism, Trump reiterated his belief that the WHO had failed in its management of COVID-19 and that the U.S. had been unfairly shouldered with the bulk of the financial contributions to the organization. The U.S. contributed over $1.2 billion to the WHO in 2022-2023, more than any other country, with Germany following in second.

In its response to the U.S. withdrawal, the WHO expressed regret, emphasizing the long history of collaboration between the organization and the U.S. It pointed out that American contributions have been critical in global health initiatives, such as the eradication of smallpox and the near-elimination of polio. The WHO remains hopeful that the U.S. will reconsider its decision and work with the organization to continue safeguarding public health globally.

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Source: people‍