The United States is set to officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, marking a significant shift in global health leadership. This decision, made by President Donald Trump via an executive order, has sparked intense debate and raised concerns about its impact on both U.S. health and global health initiatives. But here's where it gets controversial: while the U.S. owes the WHO $260 million in fees, the organization faces a budget crisis and staff cuts due to this exit. Global health experts urge a re-think, yet Bill Gates, a major funder, suggests a U-turn is unlikely.
The US Exit and its Impact
The U.S. is set to officially exit the WHO on Thursday, despite owing the organization $260 million in fees. This move comes in violation of a U.S. law that mandates Washington to pay the U.N. health agency these fees. President Trump initiated the withdrawal process on his first day in office in 2025, giving one-year notice as required by U.S. law. The U.S. State Department spokesperson cited the WHO's failure to contain and share information effectively, claiming it cost the U.S. trillions of dollars.
A Global Health Crisis
The departure of the U.S. has triggered a budgetary crisis for the WHO, leading to staff cuts and scaled-back work. The U.S. has traditionally been the WHO's largest financial backer, contributing around 18% of its overall funding. This exit means the WHO will shed approximately a quarter of its staff by mid-2026 and will have to cut budgets across the agency. The agency has been working with the U.S. and sharing information in the last year, but the future of this collaboration is uncertain.
A Call for Re-think
Many global health experts, including WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, have urged the U.S. to reconsider its decision. Ghebreyesus emphasized the negative impact of the withdrawal on both the U.S. and the rest of the world. However, Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, a major funder of global health initiatives, believes a U-turn is unlikely in the short term. He acknowledges the importance of the WHO but also highlights the need for the world to find alternative solutions.
A Controversial Interpretation
The U.S. exit from the WHO has sparked a debate about the future of global health leadership. Some argue that the U.S. should reconsider its decision, while others suggest that the WHO needs to adapt and improve its performance. The departure also raises questions about the effectiveness of global health organizations and the need for stronger collaboration and coordination among nations. The impact of this decision will be felt globally, and it remains to be seen how the world will respond to this controversial move.
