The United States has officially begun its exit from the World Health Organization (WHO) today, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in 2020. This marks a significant move that many experts argue will weaken global defenses against health threats. According to Reuters, the US owes around $260 million in fees for 2024 and 2025, and the WHO executive board is set to discuss the exit and the financial implications during its meeting next month.
The process of withdrawal, initiated by Trump during his first term, has left the WHO struggling to cope with a budget deficit, which will likely hinder its ability to focus on essential global health priorities, such as pandemic preparedness, health equity, and the control of non-communicable diseases. The Biden administration, while reversing several of Trump’s policies, did not take action to stop the withdrawal. This leaves the world’s leading health agency without the US, its largest contributor, potentially stalling crucial health programs already under strain from the impacts of COVID-19.
The WHO’s Financial Strain and its Global Impact
The WHO’s budget has been significantly impacted by the US withdrawal, with key initiatives such as vaccination campaigns and maternal and child health programs already under pressure. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, previously stated that the withdrawal “is a loss for the US and a loss for the rest of the world,” emphasizing the global consequences of this decision. The WHO has been fighting to maintain its operations in the face of the financial shortfall and to rally member states to support health initiatives.
The US’s exit comes at a time when the WHO’s efforts to improve global health security and preparedness for future pandemics are critical. The US, which historically contributes about 18% of the WHO’s budget, has been a major financial supporter, and its withdrawal creates a significant gap in funding that is likely to stall progress on essential health initiatives.
The Trump Administration’s Criticism of the WHO
President Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the WHO, especially over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He accused the organization of being influenced by China and failing to push through necessary reforms. Trump’s frustration with what he saw as bureaucratic inefficiency and political influence from WHO member states contributed to his decision to withdraw from the agency.
Critics of the US exit argue that, in addition to undermining global health efforts, the withdrawal leaves America more vulnerable to emerging health threats. Without the WHO’s global surveillance and coordination on health emergencies, the US will likely face greater risks from future pandemics and health crises.
The Broader Shift Away from the United Nations
The US withdrawal from the WHO is part of a broader trend where Trump has been distancing the country from several United Nations (UN) programs, citing inefficiency and political influence. This includes US exits from initiatives focused on democracy, climate change, gender equality, and violence prevention. Critics argue that these moves, including the creation of a ‘Board of Peace’ in Gaza, are part of Trump’s strategy to replace the functions of the UN and shift control to more politically aligned initiatives.
A Future with Weakened Global Health Cooperation
The US withdrawal from the WHO signifies a dramatic shift in global health governance, leaving a void in leadership at a time when international cooperation is more critical than ever. Public health experts warn that this decision could limit the WHO’s capacity to address urgent global health challenges and may undermine efforts to tackle future pandemics. As health data and pathogen sharing become more integral to international cooperation, this move raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of a fragmented global health response.
