NEW YORK — The United States has finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a significant move following a year of controversies and criticisms regarding the agency's handling of global health crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
Federal officials have confirmed this development, noting that while the withdrawal is official, it has not been without complications. According to the WHO, the United States owes approximately $280 million, raising questions about the financial obligations tied to the departure. Interestingly, the Trump administration has stated there is no requirement to pay these dues before the official withdrawal.
Experts in public health are voicing serious concerns about the potential consequences of this decision. Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, labeled the withdrawal as “the most ruinous presidential decision in my lifetime,” emphasizing that it could significantly disrupt responses to new outbreaks and impede the capacity of U.S. scientists and pharmaceutical companies in vaccine development.
Since its inception, the WHO has been crucial in managing global health threats such as Ebola, Zika, and polio, providing much-needed health guidelines, resources, and technical assistance to countries in need. The U.S., historically a major contributor to the organization, has often played a significant role in various health initiatives worldwide.
While the Trump administration contends that the U.S. can forge these partnerships independently with various countries, public health experts criticize the feasibility of such claims, especially considering the reluctance of many nations to cooperate following the withdrawal.
In an effort to justify the decision, the Trump administration had cited the WHO’s inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged biases, claiming that their governance structures were open to political influences from member states.
As public health experts continue to analyze the implications of this development, the U.S. exit raises profound questions about the future of international public health cooperation and the nation's role in leading global health efforts.
