President Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) is deeply regrettable. Reduced funding will significantly impair the WHO’s life-saving work, particularly in impoverished nations.
The U.S. is the WHO’s largest single contributor, providing a substantial portion of its funding in recent years. The U.S. contribution constitutes a significant percentage of the WHO’s annual budget. Global health agencies require increased funding, not cuts, especially during multiple crises (the WHO recently appealed for significant funding for 2025 health emergencies).
The WHO relies on voluntary national contributions. The U.S. recently contributed significantly to global health initiatives, including emergency response and access to essential health services. While the impact of this decision will be most keenly felt in vulnerable countries, the U.S. also benefits from WHO participation.
International cooperation is crucial for pandemic prevention. Supporting low- and middle-income countries in preventing, detecting, and responding to outbreaks protects global health security, including that of the U.S.
The cessation of negotiations for the and amendments to the International Health Regulations—a move initiated by the —is especially concerning given recent H5N1 cases in the U.S., which, while currently posing low risk to the public, presents a potential pandemic threat. In 2024, the WHO reclassified Mpox, and the U.S. provided substantial funding to support vaccine delivery and outbreak response.
From HIV to diabetes, from to improving , WHO guidelines and expertise significantly inform global public health practices, including in the Americas. These benefits to the U.S., while perhaps less direct than those to low- and middle-income countries, remain considerable. The WHO contributes to international guidelines on disaster response, including managing health impacts from wildfires. The implications extend beyond funding; U.S. scientists and health workers provide invaluable expertise globally and domestically. Many have dedicated their careers to global health.
This decision’s communication is also deeply problematic. The Executive Order, without justification, alleges the WHO’s inability to demonstrate independence from political influence. This rhetoric, along with the WHO withdrawal, could be exploited to fuel distrust in scientific and health organizations. The has faced unsubstantiated accusations of political manipulation. The of Anthony Fauci highlights the targeting and maligned of public health scientists. Such claims undermine public trust in health authorities—a 2023 study showed a significant drop in U.S. trust in scientists since 2019, with a minority believing science benefits society.
Vaccine confidence is declining globally, despite vaccines saving countless lives annually. The WHO plays a vital role in global vaccine supply. Polio eradication efforts are threatened by reduced funding (the U.S. contributed significantly to polio eradication efforts last year).
President Trump should reconsider withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO. Amidst ongoing conflicts and climate emergencies, the WHO’s role is paramount. Strengthening American health and global health are not conflicting objectives.