Trump Initiates US Withdrawal from WHO, Raising Concerns Over Global Health Funding

President Trump's executive action to begin the US exit from the WHO highlights deep frustrations over the agency's COVID-19 response and could significantly affect its funding structure and global health management efforts, as experts warn of the repercussions for public health worldwide.

In a bold move on his first day in office, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to initiate the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). His decision, described as a major action, comes after previous criticisms of the international body's handling of the COVID-19 crisis, particularly its apparent biases toward China. This withdrawal could have profound implications, as the US is currently responsible for nearly 20% of the WHO's annual budget, which amounts to approximately $6.8 billion.

Trump's order outlines dissatisfaction with the WHO's pandemic response, its governance unable to resist political influences, and the perceived disproportionate financial contributions from the United States. He emphasized that the WHO failed to implement necessary reforms, alleging that the organization's approach primarily benefited China during the pandemic.

Under President Joe Biden, the US had resumed its role as the WHO's largest funding entity, a substantial transition from Trump's earlier stance. However, Trump's renewed push to withdraw raises questions about the agency's financial stability and overall capacity to respond effectively to global health emergencies, such as Ebola or future pandemics.

Public health experts have expressed serious concerns about the implications of the US withdrawal. Ashish Jha, who was a COVID-19 response coordinator during Biden's administration, cautioned that the decision could have adverse effects on global health efforts, ultimately harming US leadership in international health discussions. Renowned global health expert Lawrence Gostin characterized the withdrawal as a "grievous wound" to world health.

While some proponents of the withdrawal argue it could stimulate necessary reforms within the WHO, the overall consensus among health specialists is that the move might empower countries like China in the global health arena rather than diminishing their influence. As deliberations continue, many experts remain skeptical about the benefits of Trumps's decision, anticipating that it may lead to a decline in effective public health strategies not only abroad but also affecting health outcomes within the United States.