The recent changes in the U.S. government have raised concerns not just for trade, but also for global health. President Donald Trump has put forward plans that could threaten Canada’s health security.
On his first day back in office, Trump pushed through multiple executive orders, including a controversial one to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO). This process started in 2020 but was halted when President Biden took over. Now, the withdrawal could become a reality again, pending some formalities.
This decision marks a notable shift in American involvement in global health. It means recalling American staff from WHO and pulling back from ongoing efforts to improve international laws to handle health crises, leaving a gap in leadership and collaboration.
The implications are serious. The WHO played a vital role during the COVID-19 pandemic by alerting countries to the crisis, offering public health guidance, and coordinating efforts for access to necessary supplies. Without the U.S. — a major contributor — the organization risks facing financial struggles and weakened authority.
For future health crises, there are significant reforms on the table. New amendments to international health regulations aim to close gaps in international cooperation. The pandemic agreement currently under negotiation seeks to provide a framework for collective action against future pandemics. The success of these initiatives depends heavily on the participation of key nations like the U.S.
Trump’s withdrawal sends a worrying signal. It might encourage other countries to retreat from global health commitments at a critical time. In our interconnected world, this approach risks undermining efforts to address shared health issues.
Emerging threats like H5N1 pose a potential risk. COVID-19 showed how delays in one country can rapidly lead to worldwide outbreaks. Without a united response, we risk worsening health inequalities, particularly in low-income nations.
As non-state actors step in to help fund global health efforts, they cannot replace the power and influence that countries like the U.S. hold. While WHO will continue its work, the challenges will increase without adequate support.
For Canada, the situation is dire. Our health systems are closely linked to those of the U.S., meaning that a health crisis there could swiftly cross the border. Moreover, this withdrawal undermines our ability to tackle pressing issues like antimicrobial resistance and the health impacts of climate change.
Canada has a chance to step up. We need to reaffirm our commitment to global health by supporting WHO. This includes pushing for reliable financing and advocating for improved transparency and accountability within the organization.
We also must bolster our own public health infrastructure to be ready for future challenges and capable of assisting others. Investing in domestic vaccine production and health surveillance is crucial.
Lastly, we should engage U.S. policymakers to highlight the benefits of global health cooperation. There is still an opportunity for the U.S. to reconsider and join in this vital work with other nations.
The early days of WHO emerged from a world eager to rebuild in the aftermath of conflict. Countries understood that collaboration was essential for ensuring health for all. Today, as we navigate the consequences of COVID-19, it’s vital that we reinforce our global partnerships to tackle future health challenges together.
