NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. has finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), officially ending a 78-year commitment. This decision was initiated by former President Donald Trump and completed this month, raising concerns over its implications for global health efforts.
Despite the withdrawal, the U.S. still owes around $280 million to the WHO, raising questions about financial obligations. Experts warn that this exit could severely impact America's future response to pandemics, limiting access to critical international health data necessary for early responses to outbreaks.
Lawrence Gostin, a public health law expert at Georgetown University, calls the exit “the most ruinous presidential decision in my lifetime” and fears it will undermine the global effort to combat emerging health threats.
The WHO, which coordinates global health initiatives, including responses to outbreaks like Ebola and polio, has identified the U.S. as one of its largest contributors. On average, the U.S. has been contributing approximately $681 million annually through mandatory dues and voluntary contributions.
Trump had criticized WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and claimed that it failed to implement necessary reforms.
Experts point out that this withdrawal also sidelines U.S. participation in essential global health committees that make crucial decisions regarding public health strategies, like vaccine distribution and flu strain evaluations.
Furthermore, there are concerns about the sustainability of health initiatives like maternal and child health programs that depend heavily on U.S. support.
The current administration's officials argue that they are establishing direct public health relations with various countries. However, there are doubts regarding the effectiveness of bypassing WHO and the long-term relationships with nations that might be hesitant to share crucial health data with the U.S.
As the U.S. grapples with its financial and operational responsibilities to WHO, the impact of this withdrawal is likely to reverberate across international health communities.
The situation remains fluid, and experts warn that without strong collaborations and shared data, the U.S. and global public health could be severely compromised.
