US Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization Amid Ongoing Tensions

US officially withdraws from the World Health Organization, raising concerns over global health and pandemic preparedness.

US Leaves WHO: Background and Rationale

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its role as one of the UN agency’s largest donors. President Donald Trump signed the executive order for withdrawal last year, citing the WHO’s alleged “China-centric” handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US Department of Health and Human Services emphasized that the decision was driven by the organization’s “mishandling” of the pandemic, inability to reform, and political influence from certain member states. WHO officials, however, rejected these claims, with Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling the withdrawal a loss for both the US and global health initiatives.

Impact on WHO and Global Health Programs:

Traditionally, the US has been a key contributor to WHO’s budget. With its withdrawal, the organization faces a significant financial gap, already resulting in job losses and disruption of programs. The US has stopped all funding for 2024 and 2025, recalled personnel from Geneva and worldwide offices, and suspended hundreds of US engagements.

The US Department of Health and Human Services stated that future engagement will focus on safeguarding American public health and will involve bilateral agreements with other countries for disease surveillance and pathogen sharing. However, details of these agreements remain unclear.

Global Reaction and WHO’s Response:

WHO expressed hope that the US might reconsider, highlighting the vital role America has played in protecting global health. The organization noted that the collaboration between the US and WHO has saved countless lives, particularly during outbreaks of polio, HIV, and other global health crises.

Despite the withdrawal, the WHO’s upcoming board meeting in February will address the implications and outline the organization’s next steps in response to the US exit.

Criticism of US Pandemic Response:

Experts have criticized the US response to COVID-19, citing delayed guidance on mask mandates and social distancing, inconsistent policies across states, and politicization of health measures. Studies indicate that these delays contributed to the rapid spread of the virus and a higher mortality rate compared to other nations.

Conclusion:

The US withdrawal from the WHO represents a major shift in global health collaboration, potentially affecting funding, disease monitoring, and international cooperation. While the US seeks to pursue bilateral partnerships to maintain public health safeguards, the move leaves a significant gap in global health funding and coordination. Observers warn that this decision may have long-term implications for both the US and the international community in preparing for future pandemics.