US faces global health isolation as Trump withdraws from WHO

On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw from the WHO, expressing dissatisfaction with its handling of global health crises. This marked the second attempt to exit the agency, which former President Joe Biden reversed. 

The WHO regrets the nation’s decision to leave, stressing that protecting global health and security is important, including for US citizens.

The US was a founding member of the WHO in 1948 and has helped shape the organization’s initiatives. It also actively participates in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board. One hundred and ninety-four countries are members of the international agency, with the US being the most significant contributor — 18% of the budget in 2023.

The WHO highlights that, together with the US, they have saved numerous lives and protected Americans from health threats, such as the end of smallpox and polio.

The WHO hopes the US will reconsider and engage in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership, which would benefit millions worldwide.

According to the agency’s constitution, the US must provide one year’s notice to officially withdraw from the WHO and meet financial obligations owed to the organization.

US withdrawal agenda 

Trump’s withdrawal statement justifies its intent based on WHO’s “mishandling” of COVID-19 and other health crises.

The WHO plays a major role in combating malnutrition, communicable diseases, and chronic illness.It highlights unequal payments to the WHO, with China contributing nearly 90% less than the US despite having 300% of the US population.

The order adds that the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs will establish directorates and coordinate mechanisms to safeguard public health and biosecurity. 

Relevant bodies will pause the transfer of US funds, personnel, and contractors to the WHO. Recalled people will be reassigned.

The Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy will review and replace the 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy. 

Is isolation possible?

According to Stefano Bertozzi, former dean and current professor of health policy and management at the University of California Berkeley School of Public Health, US, backchannel communications between WHO and the US may continue after withdrawal. However, in case of a real withdrawal, he worries it would take a disaster to bring the US back. 

He also hopes other countries will step up to fill the hole in the budget after the withdrawal. “If it happens, it is tragic for the US, and of course the rest of the world as well. I would have thought that we learned very well from the COVID-19 pandemic that there is no way that you can isolate yourself from the world and be safe from the many health threats that don’t respect borders.”

The WHO plays a major role in combating malnutrition and communicable diseases, such as HIV, as well as chronic issues, like heart disease and diabetes. It spoke to Nutrition Insight about how optimal nutrition is vital to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Last month, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO launched an initiative to combat child wasting in humanitarian crises through prevention, detection, and treatment strategies. 

As Trump signed executive orders to withdraw from the Paris Climate, we also looked at how his administration’s plans for tariffs and reforms could significantly affect the country’s food and nutrition regulations and policies.