President Donald Trump's First Big Move; US Withdraws From WHO

President Donald Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting grievances over the agency's management of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial inequities.

Trump's executive order, effective immediately, directs a cessation of US funding and participation in WHO initiatives.

Trump criticized the WHO for failing to assert independence from member states, particularly citing China's minimal financial contribution despite its substantial population.

Trump's Decision to Exit WHO
In a press release by the White House, "China, with a population of 1.4 billion, contributes nearly 90 per cent less to the WHO than the United States." This disparity, according to Trump, places unfair financial burdens on the US amidst global health crises.

Implications on Global Health and Diplomacy
The decision marks a critical juncture in US global health strategy, as the nation has historically been the largest financial supporter of WHO, contributing approximately 18% of its budget. With the withdrawal set to finalize in 12 months, Concerns arise about the impact of WHO's operational capacity and international health initiatives, as per the report by Reuters.
 
According to the White House statement, "The United States intends to withdraw from the WHO due to the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from political influence."

Global Reaction and Future of WHO
The move has sparked international reactions, with health experts and diplomats expressing concerns over the implications for global health governance. WHO's role in coordinating pandemic responses and setting international health standards faces uncertainty without U.S. leadership and funding.

The Secretary of State is tasked with notifying the United Nations and WHO leadership promptly, signalling the formal commencement of withdrawal procedures.

Concurrently, negotiations on WHO agreements and amendments to international health regulations will cease, further isolating the U.S. from global health policy developments.

Path Forward for US Global Health Strategy
In response to the withdrawal, the White House plans to redirect resources previously allocated to WHO to alternative global health initiatives.

The Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy is mandated to review and replace the US Global Health Security Strategy, emphasizing a national-centric approach to pandemic preparedness and response.

As the United States prepares to sever ties with WHO, the global health landscape faces uncertainty. Trump's decision reflects ongoing disputes over WHO's governance and funding practices, signalling a shift towards unilateral health strategies. The repercussions of this withdrawal are poised to reshape international health diplomacy and collaboration in unforeseen ways.