Trump Decides to Pull the U.S. Out of WHO.Here's what this means for everyone

Reduced funding and withdrawal from participation may restrict the U.S. from accessing essential disease information.

In 2023, WHO joined forces with Kenya’s Ministry of Health and other partners to help vaccinate about 2 million people against cholera. The organization teams up with countries across the globe to fight the spread of infectious diseases.

For the second time, former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to cut U.S. support for the World Health Organization (WHO). This global body plays a crucial role in tackling diseases and monitoring outbreaks, which often spread beyond national borders.

On January 20, Trump signed an executive order outlining the U.S.'s plan to withdraw from the WHO, a process that will take a full year to complete. His first attempt to leave the organization was in July 2020, but that decision was reversed when President Joe Biden took office in 2021.

The United States was a key player in founding the World Health Organization in 1948. As the WHO pointed out in a statement, "For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives." The two have worked together to end smallpox and have made great strides toward eradicating polio.

In 2022-2023, the U.S. was WHO's largest donor, contributing about $1.25 billion, with Germany coming in second at $856 million. Despite this, Trump argued that the U.S. was shouldering an "unfairly onerous" financial burden. He also took issue with the WHO's leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While withdrawing from the WHO may reduce one financial burden, experts warn it could come at a significant cost. A group of health policy experts wrote in the BMJ on January 21 that this move would "weaken the WHO and isolate the U.S. at a time when global health challenges require unity." They also pointed out that it would "severely diminish American influence and standing in the world."

To explore the potential consequences of leaving the WHO, Science News interviewed Paul Spiegel, director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Humanitarian Health. The interview has been shortened for clarity.

What is the Role of the World Health Organization? 

The WHO sets global health standards and creates rules that require countries to report certain diseases, especially those that could lead to epidemics. It acts as an early warning system for infectious diseases, helping monitor outbreaks and share data globally. The U.S. benefits from this network of information from countries around the world.

In addition, WHO provides vaccinations and advises governments on tackling noncommunicable diseases, such as managing tobacco use, cancer screenings, and diabetes care. It’s a valuable resource for technical expertise for many nations.

Finally, WHO supports countries during humanitarian emergencies, providing help when crises like disease outbreaks or natural disasters occur.

What impact will the U.S. withdrawal have on the WHO?

The United States is the largest financial backer of the World Health Organization, and if it pulls out, it’s unlikely that other nations can replace that funding. As a result, the WHO may have to scale back its operations, potentially shutting down offices or reducing staff.

Who will be most affected by these changes?

The countries that will feel this the hardest are likely some of the poorest, particularly in Africa and parts of the Middle East. The WHO will have to make tough choices, looking at their budget and deciding where to make cuts.

In places like Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, and Myanmar, the WHO is playing a key role in coordinating health responses to humanitarian crises. These operations are costly, and it's likely that this area will face significant cuts due to the high costs involved. That could have a devastating impact on millions of people already suffering from conflict and emergencies.

What Are the Risks of the U.S. Leaving the WHO?

 I don’t see any upside to the U.S. pulling out. In fact, it would make Americans less safe from a public health standpoint.

The U.S. depends on the work the WHO does, especially since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) collaborates closely with them on global health security. If the U.S. withdraws, it puts the country in a more vulnerable position, especially when it comes to managing infectious diseases.

Withdrawing would mean less disease surveillance from WHO, fewer updates, and it’s uncertain whether the CDC and WHO would continue to coordinate in the same way they have been.

How Could U.S. Withdrawal Impact Science and Research?

Yes, it could have a significant effect. The WHO has played a key role in facilitating U.S. collaborations with health ministries around the world. The organization is highly respected by these ministries and helps with networking and coordinating research.

(Withdrawing from the WHO) could hinder U.S. research efforts.

At the World Health Assembly, the U.S. is deeply involved in many crucial decisions, from vaccine distribution to global diplomacy. If the U.S. pulls out, it will not only miss out on those discussions but also create a leadership gap that other countries, like China, will likely try to fill.