Former US President Donald Trump has announced plans to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) on the first day of his potential second term. Health experts warn that this decision could significantly alter American health policy and undermine global pandemic management efforts.
Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown University, revealed that the Trump administration has already started preparing for this move. Trump’s earlier attempt to leave WHO in 2020 was based on allegations that the organization failed to hold China accountable for the spread of COVID-19. However, President Joe Biden reversed this decision upon taking office.
Impact on US Health Policy
The withdrawal could have far-reaching effects on US health agencies. Trump has placed vocal WHO critics, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in key health department positions. Experts fear this move will isolate the US from global health surveillance initiatives, potentially allowing China to fill the resulting vacuum.
Implications for WHO
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged the US to remain in the organization. Critics argue that America’s exit would weaken WHO’s capacity and negatively impact global health outcomes.
