As U.S. withdraws from World Health Organization, health experts see big risks

On January 20, 2025, the United States finalized its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), cementing a rift that had been brewing since the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. This decision, which was initiated by President Trump and later upheld by President Biden, marked a significant turning point in American history.

The U.S. had been a member of the WHO for over 75 years, holding a position of influence and being the largest financial contributor to the organization. However, citing concerns over the WHO’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic and other global health crises, the U.S. decided to sever ties with the agency. This move has raised alarms among global health experts who warn that the world will be less prepared to respond to future health emergencies without U.S. involvement in the WHO.

The withdrawal of the U.S. has not only weakened the WHO but also diminished the country’s access to crucial infectious disease intelligence and influence over outbreak responses. Experts fear that the U.S. may be ill-equipped to respond to future health crises without the information and resources provided by the WHO.

Furthermore, the U.S.’s absence from the WHO could have far-reaching consequences on global health security. With the WHO preparing for a new director-general and facing funding challenges, the lack of U.S. involvement in the organization leaves a void that other countries may not be able to fill. This withdrawal could also impact the U.S.’s ability to shape global health policies and initiatives.

While there are efforts to maintain some level of communication between the U.S. government and the WHO, significant interactions between the two entities are unlikely in the near future. The decision to withdraw from the WHO has been criticized as a missed opportunity for the U.S. to influence global health security and diplomatic relations.

Despite the current state of affairs, some experts hold out hope that the U.S. may eventually rejoin the WHO. However, the timeline for such a re-engagement remains uncertain, and the global health landscape may look very different by the time it happens. As the world grapples with ongoing health challenges, the absence of the U.S. from the WHO poses a significant challenge to international health cooperation and preparedness.