Trump Orders US Withdrawal from WHO, Sparking Global Health Concerns
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on January 20th, 2025, directing the United States to withdraw from the World Health Association (WHO). This move has sent shockwaves through the global health community, with the WHO itself urging the US to reconsider.
The US is the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing $1.3 billion in 2022-2023. the organization warns that without this crucial funding, its efforts to combat diseases like HIV, polio, Ebola, and the recent Marburg outbreak could be severely hampered.
“Together, we have ended smallpox and we are on the verge of ending polio,” the WHO stated on January 21st. “WHO plays an important role in protecting the health and safety of people around the world, including americans.”
trump’s executive order grants the WHO a one-year reprieve, allowing time to seek choice funding sources. However, WHO Acting Director-General Anders Nordstrom expressed skepticism about the feasibility of replacing US contributions. He noted that conventional donor countries like Germany and France are facing their own fiscal constraints and are unlikely to considerably increase their contributions.
Nordstrom anticipates that countries in Asia and the Middle East may step up their support, and China has already voiced its commitment to strengthening the WHO’s role. The European Union has also urged the US to reconsider its decision and called on member states to bolster their commitments to the organization.
the withdrawal comes amidst ongoing criticism of the WHO, particularly regarding its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. trump has repeatedly accused the organization of being too supportive of China and failing to contain the virus effectively.
However, many public health experts and Democratic lawmakers have condemned the move as politically motivated and detrimental to global health security.They argue that withdrawing from the WHO would weaken the international response to future pandemics and other health crises.
The immediate impact of the withdrawal will be felt by seconded staff from US agencies who will be required to return home. consulting firm Spark Street Advisors CEO Nina Schwalby warns that the suspension of US funding, in addition to delaying payments, could create a “cash crunch” for the WHO.
Despite the controversy,organizations like the Bill & melinda Gates Foundation have reaffirmed their support for the WHO,emphasizing its crucial role in combating global health threats.Marion Koopmans, of the Erasmus University medical Center, stated that while the WHO may face criticism, withdrawing from the organization “clearly means turning your back on the world.”
Time.news Interview: US withdrawal from WHO
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the most pressing issues facing the world. Today, we’re discussing President Trump’s controversial decision to withdraw the United States from the World health Organization, which has sent shockwaves through the global health community.
For expert insight, we have Dr. Marion Koopmans, a renowned virologist at the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam. Dr. Koopmans, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Koopmans: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic we need to address.
Editor: The US is the WHO’s biggest financial contributor. What implications dose this withdrawal have for the organization’s ability to combat global health threats?
Dr. Koopmans: This move has profound consequences. The WHO relies heavily on US funding to carry out its essential work, including eradicating diseases like polio, tackling outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg, and responding to global health emergencies like pandemics. losing this crucial source of funding severely hampers their ability to fulfill their mandate.
Editor: The WHO itself has publicly urged the US to reconsider, highlighting its role in protecting global health, including the health of Americans. What is your viewpoint on this?
Dr. Koopmans: I strongly agree with the WHO’s position. Withdrawing from the WHO essentially weakens global health security, leaving the world more vulnerable to future health crises.
The WHO plays a vital role in coordinating international response efforts, sharing information, and providing technical assistance. By isolating itself, the US undermines these collective efforts.
Editor: President Trump has cited concerns about the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as justification for the withdrawal. What are your thoughts on this?
Dr. Koopmans: While the pandemic exposed certain challenges, it also highlighted the WHO’s crucial role in coordinating global health responses. Criticisms of the WHO should be addressed constructively, but withdrawing from the organization altogether is a drastic and counterproductive solution.
Editor: Are there any potential choice funding sources for the WHO to bridge this funding gap?
Dr. Koopmans: Finding adequate replacement funding will be a meaningful challenge.
while countries in Asia and the Middle East may increase their contributions, it’s unlikely to fully compensate for the loss of US funding. The European Union has urged member states to bolster their commitments,but many European countries are also facing economic constraints.
Editor: What message would you like to send to the global health community in light of this development?
Dr. Koopmans: This withdrawal should serve as a wake-up call. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening global health cooperation and ensuring the WHO has the resources to effectively address the world’s health challenges.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Koopmans, for your valuable insights. Your words provide a sobering reminder of the importance of collective action in global health.
