The new administration’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO) could have significant long-term impacts on global public health. The White House cited the WHO’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from political influence as reasons for the withdrawal. The U.S. is the WHO’s top donor, contributing over $100 million annually, which supports various public health initiatives. Withdrawal requires congressional approval. Critics argue that the WHO plays a crucial role in global health and hope the U.S. will reconsider its decision. Any reconsideration will likely leverage change at WHO.
The EO also calls for State and OMB to “identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO.” With chaos comes opportunity.
Read the EO entitled, “Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization” here.