Trump Sows the Seeds for the Next Pandemic Withdrawing US from World Health Organization
It’s only a few days past President Trump’s inauguration, and honestly, it’s hard to know what issue to focus on. Ending birthright citizenship? Restricting communications at federal agencies? Deporting migrants without asylum hearings? Ending federal government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs?
They all blew me away. But as a public health professional, the Executive Order that particularly hit home was Trump’s announced intention to withdraw our country from the World Health Organization. WHAT??
Quoting Lawrence Gostin, a public health law professor at Georgetown University, the US withdrawal is the “most momentous” of all the executive orders signed Monday, noting it “could be sowing the seeds for the next pandemic.” Calling the action reckless and lawless, Gostin noted that the President is not seeking congressional authorization, nor is he giving the required one year’s notice (read more here). He went on to say that withdrawal is “a grievous wound” to public health but an “even deeper wound to American national interests and national security.”
Does the President and his supporters actually understand what the WHO is and what the organization does for people in the U.S. and around the world? Well – here’s a short primer.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
Founded in 1948, the WHO is the health agency of the United Nations. It leads and champions global efforts to protect and achieve better health for people around the world (including MAGA supporters and their families). For example, the WHO:
Monitors and tracks outbreaks of infectious diseases, including influenza, COVID-19, Ebola, and others, providing early warnings and guidance to prevent their spread.
Supports global immunization efforts, helping to control diseases that can affect our citizens, such as polio and measles.
Provides access to cutting-edge research and global health data that informs our own public health strategies.
Coordinates international responses to health emergencies, provides technical assistance, and helps countries prepare for and manage outbreaks.
Issues travel advisories and health recommendations for people traveling abroad.
Works to combat global trends in non-communicable diseases (e.g., heart disease, diabetes) that impact U.S. populations through collaborative research and policy recommendations.
Provides training and resources to public health professionals worldwide, including partnerships with governmental agencies.
Advocates for global health initiatives and policies, including those that align with USA goals, such as ending HIV/AIDS and improving maternal and child health.
The U.S. has been a part of WHO since its founding in 1948, and our departure would make the U.S. the only major power that’s not a member of the 194-country body. We are a major contributor to the WHO. The 2024-2025 budget is approximately $6.8 billion, nearly one fifth of which comes from the U.S. (read more here). Seems reasonable to me, as the US is the wealthiest nation in the world in terms of gross domestic product.
Bottom Line
Our nation’s withdrawal would have serious consequences for public health here at home. The WHO provides critical support in tracking and responding to global disease outbreaks, which directly affects our ability to prevent and manage threats like pandemics. Losing access to WHO's data-sharing networks, scientific research, and coordinated response frameworks would weaken our country’s preparedness for future health crises. Ultimately, withdrawing from the WHO would isolate the U.S. in an interconnected world, jeopardizing the health and safety of our own citizens.
Maybe the Trump Administration doesn’t care about or recognize the importance of collaboration with international programs, partners and health systems. Wake up! As much as you would have us be kings of the universe, we can’t do this alone.
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