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President Donald Trump has once again announced his intention to end U.S. support for the World Health Organization (WHO), a global health and humanitarian body dedicated to disease eradication and tracking outbreaks across borders.

On January 20, Trump signed an executive order outlining the U.S. plan to withdraw from the Switzerland-based organization, a process that takes 12 months. His initial attempt to leave the WHO in July 2020 was blocked by President Joe Biden, who reversed the move after taking office in 2021.

The United States was a founding member of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. “For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives,” the organization stated. “Together, we ended smallpox and have brought polio close to eradication.”

U.S. Contribution to WHO and Reasons for Withdrawal

As the largest contributor to the WHO, the United States donated approximately $1.25 billion between 2022 and 2023. Germany, the second-largest donor, contributed $856 million during the same period. Trump cited the “unfairly burdensome” financial obligations of the U.S. as a key reason for withdrawing from the organization, along with dissatisfaction with WHO’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While this move will reduce U.S. spending, experts warn that it may come at a significant cost. A group of health policy experts noted on January 21 in the BMJ that it would leave the WHO weakened and isolate the U.S. at a time when global health challenges require cooperation. They also emphasized that the decision would “severely diminish American influence and standing in the world.”

To explore the potential impacts of this withdrawal, Science News interviewed Paul Spiegel, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health. The interview was edited for length and clarity.

WHO Sets Global Health Standards and Provides Vital Data for U.S. Surveillance and Early Warning Systems

Spiegel: The WHO establishes global health standards and creates international health regulations that require governments worldwide to report certain diseases, including those with epidemic potential. It serves as an early warning system for infectious diseases and facilitates global surveillance and data sharing. The U.S. benefits from the data WHO gathers from various countries.

The WHO also offers vaccinations and provides guidance to governments on noncommunicable diseases, covering areas like tobacco control, cancer screening, and diabetes management. It is a key source of technical expertise for many nations globally.

Additionally, the WHO supports countries during humanitarian crises.

Spiegel: The United States is by far the largest contributor, and it’s unlikely that other countries will be able to fill the gap. This will have a significant impact on the WHO, which will likely have to either close offices or reduce staff.

Spiegel: Certainly, some of the world’s poorest nations, such as many in Africa and parts of the Middle East, will be affected. The WHO will face tough decisions and will need to review its budget to determine where to make cuts.

WHO’s Health Response to Humanitarian Crises at Risk of Cuts, Threatening Millions in Conflict Zones

In places like Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Myanmar, the WHO is coordinating health responses to humanitarian crises, which is extremely costly. I expect this will be one of the areas targeted for cuts due to the high expenses involved. This would have a devastating impact on potentially hundreds of millions of people impacted by conflict and humanitarian emergencies.

Spiegel: I don’t see any advantage for the U.S. in withdrawing. In fact, it ultimately makes Americans less secure from a public health standpoint.

The U.S. relies on the WHO’s work, especially since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates closely with the organization on global health security. Leaving the WHO puts America in a more vulnerable position, particularly concerning infectious diseases.

WHO’s disease surveillance will be diminished, leading to less information being shared, and it’s uncertain whether the coordination between WHO and the CDC will continue as it did before.

Spiegel: Yes, in numerous studies, the WHO has helped facilitate U.S. collaboration with various ministries of health. The organization is highly respected by health ministries worldwide and plays a key role in networking and coordinating research.

Withdrawing from the WHO could have a negative impact on the research conducted in the U.S.

At the World Health Assembly, the U.S. plays a significant role in numerous decisions, ranging from vaccine procurement to diplomatic matters. By withdrawing, the U.S. will not only be excluded from these discussions but will also create a leadership vacuum, which other countries, like China, will likely attempt to fill.

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Read the original article on: Science News

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