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On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump signed a decree to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), CNN reports. According to the document, the reasons for this step were:
- Poor governance of the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Failure of the organisation to implement urgently needed reforms.
- Excessive political influence of certain countries, in particular China.
Trump also stressed that the United States pays disproportionately high dues, which is unfair to other member states.
Expert reaction
Former White House COVID-19 coordinator Ashish Jha called the decision a strategic mistake:
- The risk of China’s growing role: The US withdrawal creates a political vacuum that China could fill by expanding its influence in the global healthcare system.
- Weakening of the WHO: The organisation is heavily dependent on the expertise of American specialists, particularly in tracking global epidemics.
Jha also expressed doubts as to whether Trump would adhere to the rule that provides for continued funding for WHO for a year after the announcement of the withdrawal.
Trump’s decision follows a similar move in 2020, when the US officially withdrew from the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decree was then explained by similar reasons, including China’s role in the organisation.
This move could have significant implications for the global health system, as the US is a key donor and source of expertise for the WHO.
