The United States has officially severed ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision finalized by the Department of Health and Human Services. This marks the culmination of a process initiated years earlier, rooted in deep-seated disagreements over the organization’s performance and global influence.
The initial move to withdraw stemmed from an executive order signed early in the previous administration, fueled by concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Accusations centered on delayed declarations of public health emergencies and perceived deference to China during the critical early stages of the outbreak.
For over seven decades, the U.S. had been a cornerstone of the WHO, a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to coordinating international public health. Its role encompasses vital functions like disease monitoring and rapid response to global health crises.
A central grievance involved the belief that the WHO’s response to COVID-19 cost the world precious time as the virus spread unchecked. Officials pointed to instances where the agency seemingly echoed Chinese narratives, even in the face of mounting evidence of underreporting and suppressed information.
Despite contributing up to 25% of the WHO’s funding, the U.S. had never held the organization’s directorship, a point of contention for some. This disparity fueled the argument that the U.S. contribution wasn’t proportionally reflected in the organization’s leadership or direction.
The decision to withdraw wasn’t framed as abandoning global health leadership, but rather as a rejection of organizations perceived as failing to serve U.S. interests. Officials highlighted newly forged bilateral agreements with numerous countries as evidence of continued commitment to international health cooperation.
A powerful address delivered to the World Health Assembly underscored the administration’s criticisms. The WHO was described as burdened by bureaucracy, conflicts of interest, and undue political influence, particularly from China.
Concerns were raised that the WHO had become overly susceptible to external pressures, prioritizing political considerations over the well-being of the global population. The need for transparency and accountability within the organization was forcefully emphasized.
The initial withdrawal attempt years prior sparked immediate and strong opposition from some political factions, who warned that leaving the WHO would weaken global disease surveillance and jeopardize future pandemic preparedness. Critics argued that international collaboration was essential to combatting global health threats.
The timing of the final withdrawal coincided with a high-profile international gathering, the World Economic Forum, where other geopolitical issues were also taking center stage, highlighting the complex interplay of global politics and public health.
