On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump officially announced the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that could severely impact global health initiatives. This move ends U.S. public funds and resources in support of WHO.
The U.S. has historically contributed nearly 25% of the WHO's budget, which is primarily funded through assessed contributions based on GDP and population. In the current funding cycle, the U.S. contributed nearly $1 billion, while the second-largest contributor, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, donated hundreds of millions.
The withdrawal is expected to create a financial shortfall for the WHO, potentially forcing other member states to increase their contributions or leading to budget cuts. Experts warn this move could hinder the U.S.'s influence on global health policies, especially during health emergencies.
Lawrence Gostin, a professor of global health law, stated that exiting the WHO would undermine U.S. national security interests and allow other nations to fill the void. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing infectious diseases.
Trump's administration plans to seek alternative partners for global health initiatives, but experts argue that many health threats require collaborative efforts across borders. The decision to withdraw from the WHO marks a significant shift in the U.S.'s approach to global health governance.