The US Withdrawal from WHO: A Threat to Global Health
News
Feb 20, 2025
The decision by the US government to sever ties with the World Health Organization (WHO) has far-reaching consequences for public health in the US and globally. The US withdrawal from WHO jeopardizes critical health initiatives, weakens international cooperation and undermines efforts to address pressing global challenges. With the US historically being the largest contributor to the WHO, providing 15% of its budget, this move leaves a significant funding gap that affects programs worldwide.
The Real-World Impact of the US Withdrawal from WHO
The ripple effects of the US withdrawal from WHO are already being felt. For example, NGOs providing life-saving HIV medication in several African countries are now forced to ration supplies due to funding shortages. In sub-Saharan Africa, where 67% of people living with HIV reside, this could reverse decades of progress in combating the epidemic.
Additionally, the US stepping back from the International Negotiating Body (INB) undermines global efforts to address health crises through coordinated action. The INB plays a critical role in pandemic preparedness and response, and without US support, its ability to function effectively is compromised.
The Broader Implications for Multilateralism
The US withdrawal from WHO is not just about funding—it’s an attack on multilateralism. The multilateral system has historically played a crucial role in preventing conflicts, mitigating social crises, and supporting vulnerable populations. For instance, the WHO’s eradication of smallpox in 1980 and its ongoing efforts to combat polio are testaments to the power of international collaboration.
By stepping away, the US weakens trust among nations and diminishes the influence of international organizations. This move could embolden other countries to follow suit, further fragmenting global efforts to address shared challenges.
The Moral Obligation to Collaborate on Global Health
Health issues transcend national borders. Governments are morally obligated to protect their citizens’ right to health, including collaborating with multilateral institutions like the WHO. The challenges we face today—climate change, economic exploitation, mass displacement, and authoritarianism—are global. Addressing them requires a coordinated international strategy.
For example, climate change is already exacerbating health crises, with the WHO estimating that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Without global cooperation, these numbers could rise even further.
A Call to Action: Supporting WHO and Multilateralism
The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) urges nations to support the WHO and multilateral organizations. Investing in global health and maintaining international cooperation is not just a choice—it’s a duty.
We also express our solidarity with the people of the United States and remain confident that their democratic institutions will resist the rise of authoritarianism. The US has a long history of leadership in global health, from the founding of the WHO in 1948 to its contributions to eradicating diseases like smallpox. It’s not too late to reverse course and reaffirm this commitment.
The Path Forward
The US withdrawal from WHO is a significant setback for global health, but it’s not irreversible. By reaffirming its commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation, the US can help protect the health and well-being of people worldwide. Global challenges require global solutions, and the WHO remains a vital institution in this effort.