In a controversial move that has shocked global health experts, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order beginning the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision, made shortly after being sworn in for a second term, is part of a broader set of executive actions that cover various issues from immigration to climate change. For the second time in less than five years, Trump has ordered the U.S. to withdraw from the global health body, despite concerns from scientists and health officials who warn that this could reverse decades of progress in fighting infectious diseases such as AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. Furthermore, the withdrawal could undermine the world’s ability to respond effectively to new and emerging pandemics.
Figure 1: Donald Trump Signing US withdrawal from WHO (credits: CBS news)
The Driving Forces Behind Trump’s Decision
The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO comes after years of criticism directed at the organisation, particularly over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trump’s administration has consistently blamed the WHO for its perceived slow response to the virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, and later spiralled into a global health crisis. According to a White House statement, the decision to withdraw was motivated by what the administration described as the WHO’s mishandling of the pandemic, its failure to implement necessary reforms, and its inability to act independently of political pressures from certain member states.
The statement also pointed to the issue of funding, with Trump accusing the WHO of demanding “unfairly onerous payments” from the United States, which he argued were disproportionate compared to contributions from other countries. This dissatisfaction with the WHO’s leadership and financial arrangements culminated in Trump’s formal withdrawal announcement, which includes notifying the United Nations Secretary-General of the U.S. intent to leave the organisation.
The WHO’s Role in Global Health and Why It Matters
The WHO has been instrumental in coordinating global efforts to combat infectious diseases and providing resources for public health initiatives worldwide. Over the years, the organisation has been pivotal in tackling health crises like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, efforts to eradicate polio, and global campaigns to combat tuberculosis and malaria. For many low-income countries, the WHO serves as a critical partner in ensuring access to essential healthcare services, vaccines, and medical supplies.
Trump’s decision to withdraw places these global health initiatives in jeopardy. The U.S. is the largest financial contributor to the WHO, accounting for approximately 18% of its budget. Without this crucial funding, the organisation could face significant challenges in continuing its work, particularly in regions most in need of assistance. Experts warn that the U.S. withdrawal will create a substantial financial gap that will be difficult to fill, as no other nation currently contributes as much to the organisation.
Potential Consequences of U.S. Withdrawal
Health experts have raised alarms about the potential consequences of the U.S. pulling out of the WHO. One immediate concern is the disruption to ongoing global health programs, especially in areas like immunisation, disease surveillance, and emergency response. The WHO plays a vital role in coordinating international health responses, and the absence of U.S. leadership could hinder efforts to tackle future pandemics or health emergencies.
Moreover, with the U.S. out of the picture, other nations, such as China, may step into a more prominent role within the WHO. Critics argue that China already exerts undue influence over the organisation and that a U.S. withdrawal could allow Beijing to further shape the direction of global health policy, potentially prioritising its own interests over those of global health. This shift in power dynamics could alter the nature of international health cooperation, making it more difficult to achieve consensus on issues such as vaccine distribution or global health funding.
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The Political and Geopolitical Ramifications
Politically, Trump’s move to withdraw from the WHO signals a further retreat from multilateralism and international cooperation. The decision to leave a body that coordinates global health responses is consistent with his broader “America First” approach, which has often involved pulling the U.S. out of international agreements and organisations. However, this stance may have significant long-term implications for U.S. influence on the global stage.
From a geopolitical standpoint, Trump’s withdrawal raises the spectre of increased influence from countries like China and Russia in shaping global health and policy agendas. The U.S. has historically played a leading role in promoting democracy, free markets, and human rights, but its exit from the WHO could leave a leadership vacuum in global health, which other powers may exploit to further their own political and economic interests.
What’s Next for the WHO and the U.S.?
Despite Trump’s executive order, the withdrawal process is not instantaneous. Under WHO regulations, member states must provide at least one year’s notice before formally exiting. This gives the U.S. time to reconsider its decision, especially given the potential legal and diplomatic challenges that may arise during the transition period. Furthermore, the U.S. could lose access to vital health data and international collaborations, which could weaken its ability to respond to future health crises.
For now, the future of the WHO looks uncertain. With the departure of its largest donor, the organisation will face serious financial and operational challenges. Whether the WHO can continue to function effectively without U.S. support remains to be seen, but the global health community is certainly facing one of its most significant tests.
Conclusion
President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO represents a significant shift in global health policy and could have lasting implications for the future of international health cooperation. While the move aligns with his broader political agenda, it raises concerns about the future of global health initiatives, particularly in low-income countries that rely on WHO support. As the world grapples with the ongoing pandemic, Trump’s action may weaken the global response and create a power vacuum that other nations could exploit, potentially reshaping the landscape of global health governance for years to come.
