America’s Exit from WHO: What It Means for Global Health

1. In January 2025, just after taking office for 2nd term, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
2. This was a major decision, and the WHO quickly responded, saying it was "regrettable" and asking the U.S. to reconsider.

Reasons for America’s Exit:

1. The Trump administration argued that WHO failed to handle the COVID-19 pandemic properly, especially in its early stages.
2. The U.S. accused WHO of not acting quickly enough to prevent the spread of the virus and being too friendly with China, where the virus originated.
3. The U.S. said that WHO had too much political influence from certain countries, especially China.
4. Trump argued that WHO was not independent in making decisions.
5. The U.S. also complained that it was paying too much into WHO compared to other countries, especially China.
6. The U.S. is the biggest contributor to WHO’s budget, and the Trump administration felt this was unfair.

Impact on WHO:

1. The U.S. is the largest financial supporter of WHO, giving about 20% of its budget.
2. If the U.S. leaves, WHO could struggle financially.
3. This loss could also weaken WHO’s political influence, as the U.S. is a key member and has been involved in decision-making since WHO was created in 1948.
4. The U.S. has been a big player in global health programs, such as efforts to eliminate diseases like polio and HIV/AIDS.
5. WHO works closely with the U.S. on many of these programs, so losing that partnership could slow down or even harm these efforts.
6. Many scientists from the U.S. work with WHO on health issues.
7. If the U.S. pulls out, WHO could lose valuable expertise, which could affect its ability to respond to health emergencies or improve healthcare worldwide.
8. Countries like India, which rely on WHO’s help for health programs, could face disruptions.
9. These countries also benefit from joint efforts between WHO and U.S. agencies like USAID (United States Agency for International Development).
10. If the U.S. withdraws, it could make it harder for these countries to get the support they need.

How Can the U.S. Exit WHO?:

1. According to a resolution passed by the U.S. Congress in 1948, the country can leave WHO after giving one year’s notice.
2. However, before leaving, the U.S. must make sure it has paid its financial dues for the current year to WHO.

What is WHO Doing Now?

1. WHO is working on a Pandemic Agreement to help the world better prepare for future health crises.
2. The agreement aims to improve how countries work together to prevent and respond to pandemics.
3. The U.S. withdrawal could make it harder for WHO to carry out these plans.

WHO's Response:

1. WHO expressed disappointment, saying it regretted the U.S. decision.
2. They pointed out that the U.S. has helped save millions of lives through its work with WHO, including efforts to eliminate smallpox and nearly wipe out polio.
3. WHO also said that the U.S. has been an important part of its reforms and that they hope the U.S. will reconsider.

Effects on Global Health:

1. If the U.S. leaves, these programs could face setbacks, especially in developing countries. For example, programs to fight diseases like polio and HIV/AIDS rely on the joint efforts of WHO, the U.S., and other partners. If the U.S. pulls out, it could slow down progress on these important issues.
2. The U.S. has been a leader in public health, and many U.S.-based organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), work closely with WHO.

What’s at Stake?

1. The U.S. also influences large philanthropic organizations, like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which contribute to WHO’s work.
2. If the U.S. withdraws, it could put pressure on these organizations to scale back their support, which would further harm WHO’s ability to operate.

World Health Organization (WHO) Established: 1948, specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). Mandate: Promote international cooperation for improved public health and the attainment of "the highest possible level of health" for all people. Definition of Health: WHO defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” History: Inherited tasks from the Health Organization of the League of Nations (1923) and the International Office of Public Health (Paris, 1907). World Health Day: Celebrated annually on April 7th, the date of WHO's establishment (1948). Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland. Governance: World Health Assembly (WHA): Annual policy-making body of WHO. Executive Board: Composed of health specialists elected for three-year terms. Director-General: Nominated by the Executive Board, appointed by WHA. Supported by a Deputy Director-General and Assistant Directors-General who specialize in areas such as family, women’s, children’s health, and health systems innovation. Structure: WHO Secretariat: Implements routine operations and strategies, consisting of experts, staff, and field workers. Regional Offices: WHO has six regional offices globally. Funding: Primarily funded by contributions from member governments based on their ability to pay. Allocated resources from the UN's expanded technical-assistance program post-1951. India and WHO: India became a member of the WHO Constitution on January 12, 1948. First session of WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia held in India on October 4-5, 1948. Inaugurated by Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, addressed by WHO Director-General Dr. Brock Chisholm. India is a Member State of the WHO South-East Asia Region. WHO in India: WHO Country Office for India is based in Delhi with a nationwide presence.

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