US exits World Health Organization amid criticism

The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that has sparked concern among public health experts. According to a US official, the decision was made due to the WHO’s alleged deviation from its core mission and actions that contradict American interests. The withdrawal process began on January 20, 2025, when US President Donald Trump signed an executive order, followed by a formal notice to the United Nations two days later.

As per the WHO’s charter, the withdrawal took effect one year after the notice was given. Public health experts have criticized the move, arguing that it will hinder the US’s ability to respond to health crises. Omer Awan, a US expert on public health, emphasized that the WHO plays a central role in global health governance and that its influence should be strengthened, not undermined. He noted that global health is a national security issue, as the WHO is critical for disease surveillance.

The US withdrawal from the WHO may leave the country vulnerable to pandemics and infectious diseases, as it will no longer have access to updated vaccine standards and shared data. Awan cautioned that the withdrawal will not halt the WHO’s operations but will significantly reduce American influence in global health affairs. Other countries may no longer view the US as a global health power, and its influence in shaping global health policy will be diminished.

The WHO is an international organization that coordinates global health responses, and its membership includes almost every country in the world. The organization has played a crucial role in responding to global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. The US was one of the WHO’s largest contributors, providing significant funding and expertise to the organization.

The withdrawal of the US from the WHO may have significant implications for global health governance and the ability of countries to respond to health crises. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of pandemics and infectious diseases, the need for international cooperation and coordination has never been more pressing. The US withdrawal from the WHO may undermine these efforts and leave the country and the world more vulnerable to health threats.