The U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: Implications for Global Health

What’s in today’s article?

• U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Latest News
• U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Background
• Key Reasons for the Withdrawal
• Immediate Actions Outlined in the Executive Order
• U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Implications
• U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Domestic Consequences
• Geopolitical Shifts and the Role of Emerging Economies
• U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Challenges
• U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Way Forward
• U.S. Withdrawal from WHO FAQs

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Latest News

• On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO).

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Background

• On his first day in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). 
• This decision marks the second attempt by Trump to exit the global health body, citing dissatisfaction with WHO’s management during the COVID-19 pandemic, perceived political biases, and disproportionate financial burdens placed on the U.S.
• Trump had initially announced a withdrawal during his first term in 2020. However, this was reversed by then-President Joe Biden in 2021. 
• The new executive order revives the debate, calling into question the role of the U.S. in global health diplomacy and its commitment to multilateralism.

Key Reasons for the Withdrawal

• Mishandling of the COVID-19 Pandemic:
  • Trump criticized WHO’s delayed response to the pandemic and its handling of China’s accountability in the initial stages of the outbreak.
• Perceived Political Bias:
  • The administration accused WHO of being overly influenced by certain member states, including China.
• Financial Burden:
  • The U.S. contributes the highest assessed membership dues, ranging between $100 to $122 million annually, and nearly $1.3 billion in voluntary funding in 2022-2023. 
  • Trump labelled this burden “unfair” when compared to China’s significantly lower contributions.

Immediate Actions Outlined in the Executive Order

• Halt in the U.S. Funding: Immediate cessation of all financial transfers to WHO.
• Personnel Withdrawal: Recall of U.S. government employees working with WHO.
• Development of Alternatives: Identification of credible domestic and international partners to replace WHO’s functions.
• Pandemic Treaty Exit: Discontinuation of negotiations on the WHO’s pandemic treaty, a framework aimed at improving global pandemic responses.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Implications

• Financial Strain on WHO:
  • The U.S. contributes nearly 20% of WHO’s funding. Losing this would severely impact the organization’s ability to support health programs, including vaccine development, eradication of diseases like polio, and pandemic preparedness.
• Program Disruptions in Developing Nations:
  • WHO aids various global health programs, including India’s immunization and disease surveillance efforts. Reduced funding could hinder these initiatives, particularly in low-resource countries.
• Loss of Expertise:
  • The withdrawal would sever collaboration between WHO and U.S. institutions like the CDC, which are instrumental in global health surveillance and response.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Domestic Consequences

• Limited Access to Global Health Data:
  • The U.S. would lose access to critical information on emerging infectious diseases, potentially leaving the country vulnerable to new health threats.
• Vaccine Preparedness:
  • Exiting the WHO could impact access to influenza strain samples, essential for producing effective vaccines, leading to increased hospitalizations and deaths from preventable diseases like the flu.
• Reduced Influence in Global Health Policy:
  • By withdrawing, the U.S. would relinquish its leadership role, creating a vacuum likely to be filled by countries like China. This shift could reduce America’s diplomatic leverage in international health.

Geopolitical Shifts and the Role of Emerging Economies

• The U.S. withdrawal may pave the way for greater involvement from China and the Global South, including India. 
• China has already pledged $30 million in additional funding to WHO, a move likely to strengthen its influence in global health governance.
• Experts suggest this is an opportunity for India and other emerging economies to step up. 
• India’s leadership in vaccine production and its positioning as the “voice of the Global South” can play a pivotal role in shaping a balanced global health framework.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Challenges

• WHO faces significant internal criticisms, including slow responses to health crises and inefficiencies in implementing reforms. 
• While funding cuts may exacerbate these issues, experts argue that constructive engagement rather than withdrawal is a better strategy to drive meaningful reform within the organization.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Way Forward

• Judicial Clarity:
  • Legal experts question the constitutionality of Trump’s decision, suggesting Congressional approval may be required for withdrawal.
• Reforming WHO:
  • WHO must address inefficiencies, improve transparency, and speed up emergency response protocols to regain trust and maintain global health leadership.
• Strengthened Collaboration with Emerging Economies:
  • Nations like India and South Africa should collaborate to fill the financial and strategic gap left by the U.S. withdrawal.

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO FAQs

Q1. What is the significance of the WHO?

Ans. The WHO plays a vital role in global health by coordinating disease eradication programs, providing health guidelines, and facilitating vaccine research and distribution.

Q2. Why did President Trump withdraw the U.S. from WHO?

Ans. Trump cited WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, political bias, and disproportionate financial contributions by the U.S. as reasons for the withdrawal.

Q3. How does the withdrawal affect global health programs?

Ans. The loss of U.S. funding and expertise could hinder WHO’s ability to implement health programs, particularly in developing countries, and disrupt vaccine development and pandemic response efforts.

Q4. Can the U.S. legally withdraw from WHO?

Ans. The U.S. Congress laid down a condition in 1948 requiring a one-year notice and fulfillment of financial obligations for withdrawal, making the legality of Trump’s decision subject to debate.

Q5. How does the U.S. withdrawal benefit China?

Ans. China, already increasing its contributions to WHO, may gain more influence in global health governance, potentially filling the leadership vacuum left by the U.S.

Source : TH | IE | Time