The President has ordered the United States to begin the process of withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to concerns about its handling of global health crises, including COVID-19, and issues with its fairness and independence. The order highlights that the U.S. has been paying a disproportionately high share of the organization’s funding compared to other nations, particularly China, which contributes significantly less despite having a larger population.

The following actions will be taken:

1. Stop WHO Funding: U.S. government funding and resources for the WHO will be paused, and American personnel working with the organization will be reassigned.

2. New Global Health Approach: Efforts will be made to find other reliable partners to take on roles previously handled by the WHO.

3. Policy Changes: A review and replacement of current U.S. global health policies will begin to align with this new direction.

4. Communication and Coordination: International bodies like the United Nations will be informed of the U.S. withdrawal, and ongoing negotiations with the WHO on global health agreements will be stopped.

Additionally, the National Security Council will set up new systems to protect public health and biosecurity. This decision aims to ensure U.S. health policies are independent, fair, and transparent, while exploring new ways to lead in global health efforts.

Takeaway

The U.S. has historically been a leader in promoting global health equity through the WHO. By withdrawing, the U.S. would relinquish its role in influencing global health policy and standards. The WHO's work on issues like disease prevention, maternal health, and vaccination programs has saved millions of lives. The U.S. leaving could harm vulnerable populations, particularly in developing countries, who rely on the WHO for support. A stronger argument could be made for improving collaboration with the WHO to enhance national security and biosecurity rather than disengaging. The WHO helps monitor global disease outbreaks, which directly impact U.S. health security. A withdrawal could weaken early warning systems and limit access to vital information during global health emergencies, making the U.S. more vulnerable to future pandemics. While reforming the WHO is a valid goal, withdrawing entirely could result in significant long-term consequences for global health, U.S. health security, and diplomatic relationships. Engaging in constructive reform within the WHO, rather than leaving, could better serve both U.S. interests and global health needs.