Prime Highlights:
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to initiate the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO on his first day back in office.
This move continues Trump’s earlier efforts to exit the organization, which were reversed by former President Joe Biden.
The order includes pausing future U.S. funding to WHO, recalling federal personnel and contractors, and identifying alternative partners to take over WHO’s functions.
Key Background:
President Donald Trump initiated the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) during his first day back in office. This decision marks a continuation of his previous efforts to sever ties with the global health agency, which were reversed by former President Joe Biden.
In an executive order signed in the Oval Office, Trump outlined steps for the withdrawal, including halting future funding to the WHO, recalling federal personnel and contractors associated with the organization, and identifying alternative partners to assume functions previously managed by the WHO. This move has raised significant concerns among health experts, who warn that it could undermine global health initiatives and jeopardize decades of progress in combating infectious diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
The United States has historically been one of WHO’s largest donors, contributing between $160 million to $815 million annually. The potential loss of this funding could severely impact various global health programs, including efforts to eradicate polio and maternal health initiatives. Experts like Dr. Tom Frieden have cautioned that Trump’s decision could make both Americans and the global community less safe by weakening defenses against future pandemics.
While Trump can proceed with the withdrawal as long as he meets congressional approval and financial obligations for the current fiscal year, this action puts WHO in a precarious financial position. The organization relies heavily on U.S. contributions for its operations and technical assistance to lower-income countries.
In response to Trump’s announcement, WHO expressed regret and urged reconsideration, highlighting the importance of U.S.-WHO collaboration in addressing global health threats. The agency pointed to its historical achievements in eradicating diseases and managing public health crises. As Trump aims to reshape U.S. involvement in global health governance, observers are left questioning how other nations will respond and whether they will step up to fill the funding gaps left by the U.S.
