Preface

In a unprecedented move, the United States has formally exited the World Health Organization (WHO), ceasing its participation and financial contributions. This decision, signed into action by President Donald Trump, was primarily driven by criticisms of the WHO's management during the Covid-19 pandemic and perceived political biases. This withdrawal marks a significant shift in global health collaboration, as the US has long been one of the largest contributors to the WHO’s funding. The exit prompts questions about future international health security cooperation and the nation’s engagement in combating global health challenges.

Lazy bag

The US exit from WHO due to alleged mishandling of the Covid pandemic highlights political influences and financial ramifications. WHO calls it a global health setback.

Main Body

The United States' decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) has sparked significant debate and concern both domestically and internationally. The US government justified its exit by criticizing the WHO for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, alleging that the organization was unduly influenced by China and failed to enact necessary reforms.

President Trump initially announced the withdrawal decision a year prior and finalized it by signing an executive order. The US Department of Health and Human Services echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the WHO's supposed mishandling of the pandemic. These assertions were met with firm opposition from WHO officials, including Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who labeled the withdrawal a loss not just for the US but for global health collaboration.

The implications of this withdrawal are far-reaching. The US has traditionally been one of the largest donors to WHO, providing substantial funding that supported initiatives tackling global health issues such as polio, HIV/AIDS, and maternal mortality. The immediate consequences include significant job losses within the organization, as the US has halted all government funding to the WHO and recalled personnel and contractors from its Geneva headquarters and other offices worldwide.

Moreover, ongoing efforts by WHO member states to establish an international pandemic treaty, aimed at improving future pandemic preparedness and equitable distribution of vaccines and resources, have proceeded without US participation. This treaty, finalized with support from all WHO member countries except the US, represents a critical step in strengthening global cooperation on health emergencies.

While WHO's legal advisors suggest that the US is obligated to settle its arrears, totaling approximately $260 million (£193m), the US government has expressed no intention to fulfill these financial commitments. Instead, US officials have articulated a strategy to engage bilaterally with other nations to maintain disease surveillance and pathogen sharing. However, details on these alliances remain vague.

The broader consequences of this exit have been deeply felt amidst the pandemic. The US, which experienced one of the highest Covid-related death rates, has faced criticism for its inconsistent response to WHO advice on mask mandates and social distancing measures. Critics argue that the federal response was hampered by political divisions, with policies varying drastically across states, often influenced by party allegiances.

Experts like Drew Altman, a former public health official in the US, pinpoint deficiencies in policy and leadership as key factors in the nation’s suboptimal pandemic response. In particular, a study published by the UN National Library of Medicine highlighted a slow and disorganized federal response under the Trump administration, further emphasizing these concerns.

Key Insights Table

Aspect	Description
Withdrawal Justification	Criticized WHO’s pandemic handling and alleged bias favoring China.
Financial Impact	US halted funding, resulting in significant job losses at WHO.

Last edited at：2026/1/23