US Plans to Withdraw from World Health Organization

The United States is set to officially exit the World Health Organization (WHO) soon, stirring significant concerns about the implications for global health. This exit comes as the U.S. faces a $260 million fee obligation to the organization, a payment linked to U.S. law mandating such contributions before any withdrawal can take effect.

Background on U.S. Withdrawal

On January 22, the U.S. State Department announced the decision to withdraw from the WHO, attributing the move to the organization’s failure to manage information effectively amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Department stated that this oversight has reportedly cost the U.S. trillions of dollars.

President Donald Trump initiated the process for withdrawal on the first day of his presidency in 2025 through an executive order. Under U.S. law, a one-year notification is required for withdrawal, along with the settlement of any outstanding financial obligations.

Reactions from Global Health Experts

Global health leaders have expressed deep concerns regarding the U.S. departure. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recently urged the U.S. to reconsider its decision, emphasizing that the withdrawal would be detrimental to both the U.S. and global health sectors.

• Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that a return to the WHO in the near future seems unlikely.
• Health experts warn that the U.S. exit could jeopardize systems necessary for responding to global health threats.

Financial Implications for the WHO

The anticipated departure of the U.S. has raised alarm regarding the WHO’s budgetary stability. Historically, the U.S. has been the agency’s largest contributor, accounting for 18% of its overall funding. As a result of the impending exit, the WHO faces a potential budget crisis that could lead to staff reductions and scaled-back operations.

Future of U.S.-WHO Collaboration

Despite announcing its withdrawal, the WHO has indicated ongoing cooperation with the U.S. over the past year. However, it remains uncertain how future collaboration will function once the U.S. officially exits.

As discussions about handling the U.S. exit continue, the implications for global health systems remain critical. Experts warn that weakening collaboration with the WHO may have far-reaching consequences for public health initiatives worldwide.