The recent executive order signed by President Trump could result in the US cutting off nearly 20% of the WHO's budget, impacting global public health responses.
US Moves to Withdraw from WHO Risks Significant Budget Cuts
US Moves to Withdraw from WHO Risks Significant Budget Cuts
US President Donald Trump has initiated the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization, sparking concerns about funding gaps.
In a controversial move, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order on his first day back in office, emphasizing the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The announcement arrived with Trump's trademark flair, proclaiming “Oooh, that’s a big one.” This marks the second attempt by Trump to detach the US from this crucial global health entity, following his previous criticism regarding its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Trump’s persistent dissatisfaction with the WHO stemmed from claims of its catastrophic management during the pandemic, particularly criticizing the organization's perceived ties with China. He has often accused the WHO of being complicit in China's handling of the outbreak, calling for a need for a more independent organization free from political influence.
The latest executive order delineates the conditions of the withdrawal, citing the WHO's failure to address significant health crises, and the strain placed upon the US as a key financial contributor. The order notes that the US contributes nearly $1.3 billion per year, which constitutes about one-fifth of the WHO's total budget, hampering the organization's ability to mount a robust response to future health emergencies.
This withdrawal poses potential dangers, as experts warn that a sudden loss of funding could drastically impair WHO's response capabilities, particularly regarding infectious disease control. Former White House Covid-19 coordinator Ashish Jha cautioned that such a move would not only jeopardize global health but also undermine US leadership in international health discussions. Global public health expert Lawrence Gostin described the decision as “cataclysmic” and warned it could deepen the already troubled state of world health.
While some proponents of the withdrawal argue it could spur the WHO to reform its policies and practices, the general sentiment from Washington appears to favor an ongoing separation from the organization. Ultimately, this decision could also pave the way for more significant Chinese influence within the WHO, raising alarm bells among public health advocates about potential long-term consequences for America's role in global health governance.
