Donald Trump’s transition team is preparing to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO) on the first day of the new administration, a move experts warn could have dire consequences for global health.
According to sources, Trump’s team intends to announce the withdrawal on January 20, aiming to sever ties with the global health body. Such a move would eliminate the WHO’s largest financial contributor, undermining its ability to address global health crises, including pandemics like COVID-19.
America’s departure will create a significant void in global health leadership and funding, leaving no clear successor to fill the gap, said Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert at Georgetown University. He described the potential decision as catastrophic for international health efforts.
This decision would reignite tensions surrounding U.S. relations with the WHO. During Trump’s previous term, he initiated withdrawal proceedings, citing concerns about the organization’s alleged bias toward China, but his successor, Joe Biden, reversed the decision and restored U.S. participation on his first day in office.
Experts have expressed concern that Trump’s team may act more swiftly this time, citing symbolic motives to counter Biden’s prior actions. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, noted that some in Trump’s circle view leaving the WHO as a priority, while others advocate for reforming the organization from within.
The U.S. has been a major financial supporter of the WHO, contributing approximately 16% of its budget in 2022-2023. Without U.S. funding, the WHO could face significant challenges in responding to health emergencies and maintaining its scientific workforce, Gostin warned. He also suggested that a U.S. withdrawal might empower China to increase its influence within the organization, further shifting the balance of global health leadership.
Jha emphasized the importance of U.S. engagement with international health bodies, especially in vaccine development, distribution, and global outbreak monitoring. “Without participation in these institutions, the U.S. risks losing critical intelligence on emerging health threats,” he said.
While the WHO has not directly commented on the matter, its Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, recently expressed hope for continued collaboration with U.S. policymakers, emphasizing that global health security is interconnected.
“We are ready to work together,” Tedros stated. “The U.S. cannot be safe unless the rest of the world is safe.”As the transition unfolds, the debate over U.S. involvement with the WHO underscores broader concerns about global health leadership and cooperation.
Source of Information: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/donald-trump-transition-team-plans-immediate-who-withdrawal-expert-says/articleshow/116613727.cms
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