Joseph Isangura
The World Health Organization (WHO) has voiced its regret over the United States’ decision to end its membership in the organization.
The announcement, made by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, comes as a major blow to global health cooperation and marks the departure of one of the WHO’s most prominent and influential members.
In a statement released from its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, the WHO highlighted the crucial role the U.S. has played since the organization’s inception in 1948. “The United States has been a key partner in advancing global health, combating diseases, and improving health systems worldwide,” the statement read. “This decision jeopardizes decades of collaborative progress and the health of millions.”
The organization pointed to numerous joint successes, including efforts to eradicate smallpox, respond to global health emergencies, and strengthen pandemic preparedness, achievements that benefited not only the global population but also the American people. Despite the setback, the WHO expressed hope that the U.S. would reconsider its stance. “We are committed to dialogue and remain hopeful that this partnership can be restored for the greater good.”
President Trump, however, defended the move, citing longstanding concerns about the WHO’s efficiency and perceived political bias. “The WHO has failed to fulfill its mission and has been ineffective in addressing global health crises,” Trump said. “The United States will redirect these funds to initiatives that better align with our priorities and deliver measurable results.”
The decision revives a controversy that first emerged during Trump’s initial term in office. In 2020, he began the withdrawal process during the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the WHO of mismanaging the global response to the virus. That effort was reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021, but Trump’s return to power has brought the issue back into focus.
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Health experts warn of significant consequences following the U.S.’s departure. Lawrence Gostin, a leading global health scholar, described the move as “a catastrophic setback for international health efforts.” He noted that the absence of U.S. leadership and funding historically accounting for nearly 20% of the WHO’s budget could hinder the organization’s ability to combat diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and polio.
The international community has also responded with alarm. Germany’s health minister called the withdrawal “a step backward for global health solidarity,” while other countries urged the U.S. to reconsider, emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing transnational health threats.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government has announced plans to redirect resources to alternative global health initiatives, though many question whether these efforts can match the scale and impact of the work done through the WHO.
