In a move that could reshape the global health landscape, President-elect Donald Trump’s advisors are reportedly recommending that he pull the United States out of the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day in office. This development, which was highlighted in a recent Financial Times report, raises important questions about the future of global health cooperation.
Currently, the United States contributes approximately 16% of the WHO’s funding, giving it significant influence within the organization. Experts warn that a U.S. withdrawal would not only diminish the country’s role in shaping global health policy but could severely impair the world’s collective ability to respond to critical public health emergencies such as pandemics and efforts to combat diseases like polio and measles.
This isn’t the first time the U.S. has considered leaving the WHO. In 2020, amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, then-President Donald Trump initiated the process of withdrawal, accusing the organization of being unduly influenced by China. Although the formal withdrawal process was never completed, President Joe Biden reversed the decision upon taking office, reaffirming the U.S.’s commitment to global health collaboration.
However, the current political landscape is different. Trump’s new team includes advisors with controversial stances on public health, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccination, who is rumored to be nominated for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services. Additionally, David Weldon, an outspoken anti-vaccination advocate, is reportedly set to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while Martin Makary, an incoming commissioner for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has raised doubts about the safety of certain vaccines, including the hepatitis B and COVID-19 boosters.
With these advisors, experts speculate that a U.S. pullout from the WHO is not only possible but likely. While China may not be directly involved in influencing this decision, the strategic consequences could be significant. A U.S. exit would create a leadership vacuum in the global health sector, one that Beijing could be poised to fill, further solidifying its growing influence on the world stage.
Key Implications of a U.S. Withdrawal from the WHO:
- Weakened Global Health Leadership: The U.S. provides critical funding and leadership within the WHO, and its absence would significantly reduce the organization’s capacity to manage global health crises.
- Pandemic Response Impact: The WHO plays a vital role in coordinating responses to pandemics. A withdrawal by the U.S. could lead to slower, less effective responses in future health emergencies.
- Increased Influence of China: If the U.S. steps away from the WHO, China could leverage the situation to increase its influence within the organization, potentially shifting global health priorities.
As the situation develops, the global health community will be closely watching to see if the U.S. follows through with this controversial move. What is clear is that the decision to withdraw would have far-reaching consequences not only for U.S. health policy but for global health initiatives as a whole.
Read more:
