U.S. Announces Official Withdrawal from World Health Organization

The United States is officially set to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday. This decision follows President Donald Trump’s declaration made at the start of his presidency, indicating a complete exit from the organization by 2025. The withdrawal raises concerns about both domestic and global health repercussions.

Legal and Financial Implications

Under U.S. law, the government is mandated to provide a one-year notice and settle all outstanding fees before leaving. As part of this process, Washington owes approximately $260 million in fees to the WHO. However, a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department criticized the organization for its inadequate management and transparency during health crises, attributing significant financial losses to the shortcomings of the WHO.

Future U.S. Funding to WHO

• The U.S. government has paused future funding transfers to the WHO.
• The withdrawal is viewed as a significant financial setback for the organization.

Global Health Reactions

International health experts have voiced discontent regarding this decision. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, previously urged the U.S. to reconsider its exit, emphasizing the adverse effects on both American and global public health. Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, echoed similar sentiments, predicting that the U.S. would not return to the WHO in the near future.

Consequences for the WHO

The U.S. departure could lead to a budget crisis within the organization. Historically, the U.S. has contributed around 18% of the WHO’s total funding. With its impending withdrawal, the organization may need to cut its staff by as much as 25% and reduce operational budgets significantly.

Important Upcoming Discussions

In February, WHO member states will convene to discuss the implications of the U.S. withdrawal and the future relationship with the organization. Observers, including Lawrence Gostin from the O’Neill Institute for Global Health Law, have pointed out that this move violates U.S. law, yet many believe the current administration may not face repercussions.

Broader Impacts

The exit of the U.S. from the WHO poses risks to global health systems. Experts warn that decreased collaboration could hinder efforts to detect and respond to health threats worldwide. Kelly Henning from Bloomberg Philanthropies stated that this withdrawal could weaken the essential collaborations necessary for global health security.

In conclusion, the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization will likely have significant consequences for both national and international health responses. As discussions unfold among member states, the full impact of this decision remains to be seen.