On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump made a contentious decision that’s sending shockwaves through the global health community: he ordered the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). Citing concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises, this drastic move could reshape the landscape of international health cooperation and response.
This isn’t Trump’s first attempt to exit the WHO. His previous efforts to distance the U.S. from the organization have raised eyebrows, but this recent order officially kicks off a withdrawal process that raises significant concerns for public health experts and citizens alike. The implications are vast harming not only America’s role in global health but also severely impacting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) initiatives that are vital for maternal health and safe abortion access worldwide.
In direct response to the U.S. withdrawal, the WHO is making adjustments of its own. According to internal communications from POLITICO, the organization is freezing recruitment and drastically cutting travel. This could hinder their ability to effectively respond to health emergencies in over 150 countries where they provide essential support and technical assistance.
Perhaps the most alarming consequence of this decision lies in pandemic preparedness. As we’ve experienced with COVID-19, national and international cooperation is crucial for managing health emergencies. Withdrawing from the WHO puts America’s pandemic response at risk, potentially leaving them vulnerable to future outbreaks—something that could hit their economy hard, estimated at a staggering $15 trillion loss during the COVID era alone.
If Trump’s administration has any economic foresight, they might reconsider this withdrawal. The public health landscape is riddled with doubt, and as previous experiences show, neglecting global health cooperation can lead to dire consequences. During this critical time, it’s essential for those who care about the future of public health to voice their concerns. The stakes are high, and our global community must rally to ensure that collaboration prevails over isolationism.
@kushconcertseries
