Donald Trump Announces USA Will Leave World Health Organisation

22nd January 2025

The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) has significant implications for both the organization and global health.

Financial Impact: The U.S. was the largest contributor to the WHO, providing about 24% of its budget. Losing this funding will likely result in budget cuts and reduced capacity for the WHO to carry out its programs and initiatives.

Programs and Initiatives: Many of the WHO's programs, such as those targeting AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and pandemic preparedness, heavily relied on U.S. funding. These programs may face setbacks or even discontinuation without U.S. support.

Global Health Diplomacy: The U.S. has historically played a leading role in global health diplomacy. Its withdrawal could weaken international cooperation and coordination in addressing global health crises.

Scientific Collaboration: The U.S. has been a key partner in scientific research and development. Its departure may hinder collaborative efforts in health research and innovation.

National Interests: The withdrawal could also impact the U.S. itself, as it may lose influence in global health decisions and access to critical information and resources during health emergencies.

Overall, the U.S. leaving the WHO is seen as a major setback for global health, potentially weakening the organization's ability to respond to health crises and diminishing the U.S.'s role on the global stage.

The United States is the largest contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO). For the 2022-2023 biennium, the U.S. contributed $1.284 billion

WHO Statement
The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.

WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.

The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board. For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership of WHO.

With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues.

We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.

Article at BMJ 21 January 2025
The US withdrawal from the WHO - a global health crisis in the making