US Officially Withdraws from World Health Organization: A New Era for Global Health?

A Historic Shift: US Officially Withdraws from the World Health Organization

In a move marking a pivotal moment in global health governance, theUS officially withdraws from the World Health Organization(WHO). This announcement, made jointly by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, concludes America's membership for the first time since the WHO's inception in 1948, where the US stood as a founding member.

The formal departure on Thursday, though long signaled by former President Donald Trump during his first term in 2020, has now become a reality. This decision carries significant implications for international health cooperation and America's role on the global stage.

The Road to Withdrawal: From Intent to Formal Exit

The path to the US withdrawal has been a multi-year process. President Trump first announced his intention to pull the US from the Geneva-based body on January 20, 2025, coinciding with the start of his potential second term. However, a specific provision established by the US itself dictated the timeline for withdrawal. This clause required a full year's notice and the settlement of all financial obligations for the current fiscal year before the exit could take effect. Despite lingering questions regarding arrears for 2024 and 2025, the withdrawal has proceeded.

Behind the Decision: Citing Pandemic Failures and Financial Disputes

The primary catalysts for the US's departure, as articulated by Secretaries Rubio and Kennedy, centered on the WHO's perceived "failures during the COVID-19 pandemic." Kennedy, known for his skepticism regarding vaccines, and Rubio emphasized these shortcomings as the core justification for severing ties. They stated that future US engagement with the WHO would be "limited strictly to effectuate our withdrawal and to safeguard the health and safety of the American people," confirming the cessation of all US funding for the organization.

Funding Ceases Amidst Financial Strain

The withdrawal of US funding has already impacted the WHO. Its Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, previously informed reporters that the organization had implemented budget cuts to mitigate the financial shortfalls resulting from the impending US departure. The implications of this significant financial void for the WHO's operational capabilities and global initiatives remain a key concern.

International Reactions and Calls for Collaboration

The US's exit has elicited a range of responses from the international community, largely characterized by regret and an emphasis on the vital need for global health collaboration.

United Nations Expresses Regret

United Nations Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed the practical reality of the situation, stating that "for all intents and purposes," the US is "no longer participating in the work of the World Health Organization," though some legal formalities might still need resolution. Dujarric underscored the UN's desire for full US participation, reiterating that health issues "know no border" and require international cooperation. "Viruses, non-communicable diseases, all of these issues need and should be worked out with international cooperation. The World Health Organization is the place to do it," he asserted.

Public Health Advocates Warn of Increased Vulnerability

The decision has also drawn sharp criticism from public health experts. Lucky Tran, a prominent public health advocate, voiced concerns on social media, highlighting the WHO's instrumental role in "bringing countries together to reduce death and disease at an unprecedented scale." Tran concluded that while the organization "is by no means perfect," improvement comes through participation, and withdrawal is "reckless and makes us all more vulnerable."

The WHO's Enduring Global Mandate

Prior to the US withdrawal, the WHO comprised 194 member states, representing nearly all UN members. It consistently serves a crucial coordinating role in addressing health challenges that transcend national borders. This includes deploying medical professionals and experts to assist during humanitarian crises, such as the ongoing situation in Gaza, and leading efforts against a broad spectrum of communicable and non-communicable diseases, from Ebola to Tuberculosis.

As theUS officially withdraws from the World Health Organization, the future landscape of global health cooperation faces new uncertainties. The international community grapples with the task of navigating complex health challenges without the full participation of one of its most influential members, underscoring the ongoing debate about the efficacy and necessity of multilateral institutions in an interconnected world.