By Fanuel Chinowaita
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order formalizing the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises, as well as perceived financial inequities.
The move has drawn widespread criticism and raised concerns over its impact on global health initiatives.
“World Health ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump said during the signing of the order on Monday, shortly after his second inauguration. He accused the WHO of being unduly influenced by political pressures from member states and called US contributions to the organization “unfairly onerous.”
The decision triggers a 12-month notice period for withdrawal, during which the US will cease financial contributions and personnel support to the global health body. The United States is WHO’s largest donor, contributing about 18% of its $6.8 billion biennial budget. Experts fear the move could jeopardize critical programs addressing tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and global health emergencies.
“This is the darkest day for global health I’ve ever experienced,” said Lawrence Gostin, a global health law professor at Georgetown University. “Trump could be sowing the seeds for the next pandemic.”
The WHO expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing the long-standing partnership between the organization and the United States. “We hope that the United States will reconsider, and we really hope there will be constructive dialogue for the benefit of everyone, for Americans but also for people around the world,” said WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic.
The WHO highlighted its collaboration with the US over the past seven decades, including the eradication of smallpox and progress toward eliminating polio. It also pointed to recent reforms to enhance accountability and effectiveness, implemented with the participation of the United States.
Germany and the European Union have urged the US to rethink its decision. Germany’s health minister expressed hope for renewed dialogue, while China emphasized strengthening the WHO’s role in global health governance.
“China will continue to support the WHO in fulfilling its responsibilities and deepen international public health cooperation,” said Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO’s second-largest donor, pledged continued support, with CEO Mark Suzman emphasizing the importance of strengthening, not weakening, the organization.
Trump’s criticism of the WHO dates back to 2020, when he accused the agency of aiding China in downplaying the origins of COVID-19. While the US initiated withdrawal during Trump’s first term, President Joe Biden reversed the move upon taking office in 2021.
Under US law, the withdrawal requires a one-year notice period and the settlement of outstanding dues. The WHO and global health advocates remain hopeful for a reversal before the process is finalized, warning of severe consequences for global health initiatives.
