The United States has officially announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, this exit isn’t final yet. The WHO argues that the US must settle its dues of about $260.6 million for 2024 and 2025 before its departure is considered binding. This claim is backed by a little-known provision from the original Congressional Act that allowed the US to join the WHO in 1948. According to this provision, the US can only leave after paying its financial obligations for the current fiscal year.
Amid the U.S. withdrawal drama, the American flag has been taken down from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, causing some controversy. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed frustration over WHO’s stance, claiming that the organization has failed to acknowledge America’s contributions and criticized its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking back, the U.S. decision to leave the WHO aligns with a pattern seen since the early days of the pandemic. Critics argue that WHO’s delayed response to COVID-19 further escalated the crisis. This sentiment is echoed by a report from the Department of Health and Human Services, which contends that WHO’s leadership praised China’s response despite evidence pointing to a lack of transparency and timely information.
Now, the U.S. aims to forge direct health partnerships instead of relying on the WHO. In the last year, the U.S. has signed around 15 bilateral agreements, primarily with African nations, totaling an estimated $16 billion. Critics argue that this approach may only deepen the issues it claims to address. General Peter Singer, a former advisor to WHO, emphasizes the need for a multilateral strategy, stating that global health security is vital for U.S. interests.
Meanwhile, WHO faces a budget crisis due to significant funding cuts from the U.S., which has historically been its largest donor. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director General, has described the U.S. withdrawal as a “lose-lose” situation, warning that the organization will likely face staff reductions and service disruptions as it struggles to cope with a $1 billion budget deficit for the upcoming biennium.
Looking ahead, WHO’s upcoming meetings will likely focus on not just the U.S. withdrawal but also Argentina’s recent attempts to leave, which may face legal challenges according to WHO’s leadership. As the landscape of global health shifts, many experts advocate for reforms within WHO to enhance trust and transparency. They suggest a focus on accountability and innovation could help repair relationships and better manage public health crises moving forward.
For further insights, check out the WHO report on U.S. membership and the impact of its withdrawal [here](https://apps.who.int/gb/ebwha/pdf_files/EB158/B158_45-en.pdf) or read more about the challenges facing global health in [Think Global Health](https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/the-united-states-leaves-the-who-three-reforms-could-motivate-its-return).
