Donald Trump’s incoming administration has confirmed plans to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) as soon as he is inaugurated on January 20. The decision, seen by many as politically symbolic, aims to reverse the Biden administration's recent re-engagement with the organization, which had been halted during Trump’s previous tenure.
According to the Financial Times, this action has raised significant concerns among health experts, who warn of catastrophic repercussions for global public health funding. Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health at Georgetown Law, explained, "America will leave a huge vacuum in global health financing and leadership. I see no one who could fill this gap." With the U.S. historically serving as the largest donor to WHO, contributing approximately 16% of its budget, this move may destabilize responses to future health crises.
Experts like Ashish Jha, who previously coordinated the White House’s COVID-19 response, stressed the practical dangers of such withdrawal. He warned, "If you're not participating with these organizations, you're not going to be prepared when the next outbreak occurs." Their sentiments resonate strongly among health circles, indicating significant unrest as the U.S. ponders its position within the global health governance framework.
The backdrop to this upcoming decision is Trump's contentious history with WHO. Back in 2020, the president accused the organization of failing to adequately address the outbreak of COVID-19 and criticized its alleged ties to China. Following his direct orders, U.S. funding to WHO was suspended, igniting worldwide debates on the organization’s efficacy during health emergencies. Shortly after President Biden took office, he reversed Trump's policies and reinstated U.S. support of WHO.
Now, as Trump prepares for another term, many believe this planned withdrawal is more of a symbolic gesture aimed at dismantling Biden's reinstated policies than addressing any genuine concerns about the organization itself. Critics, both inside and outside of the administration, argue against the withdrawal, stating it not only relinquishes U.S. leadership on the global health stage but also threatens the collective efforts to combat pandemics.
Should the U.S. exit, it would not just affect WHO financially; it would also disrupt collaborative responses to health emergencies. Prof. Gostin reiterated, "This would set back global health efforts by years and the hardships it would bring are incalculable." Such concerns echo through numerous health sectors where the collective efforts to combat infectious diseases have largely depended on countries working together.
Experts are also apprehensive about the likely shift of influence following U.S. withdrawal. With the world's largest health donor stepping back, they fear nations like China may fill the resulting gap, leading to growing dominance of other nations within health governance, according to speculation by various health commentators.
Adding to this angst is the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The past few years illustrated the necessity for global health systems to be synchronized, especially when dealing with cross-border health threats. The anticipated withdrawal is perceived as not only disrupting this synchronization but also sending troubling signals about America’s commitment to global health stability.
It's not yet clear how former allies and international organizations will respond to this impending decision. Many hope for continued partnership and collaboration, as only recently, WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed optimism concerning U.S.-WHO relations. "From our side, we are ready to work together," he stated before expressing his concerns about the ramifications of U.S. withdrawal.
Conversing with the Financial Times, an unnamed health expert expressed deep concern, stating, "Too much is at stake here for the health and safety of the world to risk this move.” Such remarks encapsulate the prevailing anxiety about the potential fallout of Trump's plan to withdraw from the WHO right at the dawn of his renewed presidency.
The upcoming inauguration carries significant weight, not only for domestic policy shifts but also for how the U.S. engages with global health governance moving forward. Should Trump follow through with his plans, the rippling effects may reshape how international health challenges are addressed and who is left to lead those efforts.
