By Okafor Joseph Afam

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global health community, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order seeks to halt future transfers of US government funds, support, or resources to the WHO while identifying credible and transparent international partners to undertake activities previously handled by the organization.

Trump, who has consistently criticized the WHO over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, reiterated his dissatisfaction during a White House briefing. He accused the organization of being biased and ineffective, claiming that the US pays disproportionately higher contributions compared to other member nations, including China.

“The United States has borne the brunt of WHO’s financial demands while China, with its vast population, contributes far less,” Trump said. “This is not just unfair; it is unacceptable. The American people deserve better.”

A statement posted on the White House website outlines the administration’s grievances, including the WHO’s failure to implement needed reforms, its mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis, and its alleged susceptibility to political influence from member states.

The statement reads, in part:

“The United States noticed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020 due to the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises… The Presidential Letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations signed on January 20, 2021, that retracted the United States’ July 6, 2020, notification of withdrawal is revoked.”

The order also directs the Secretary of State to halt negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to International Health Regulations, declaring that such agreements will no longer bind the United States.

While the Trump administration insists that this decision reflects a commitment to prioritizing American interests, critics warn that the move could weaken global health systems. The US, as the largest donor to the WHO, provides financial support critical to the organization’s operations.

Experts predict that the withdrawal could trigger a significant restructuring within the WHO and disrupt ongoing health initiatives. This decision comes as member countries prepare to meet and address a new bird flu outbreak in China—a meeting that may proceed without the involvement of Trump’s administration.

Additionally, Trump’s executive order includes plans to rescind Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which aimed to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.

This marks the second time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO, raising concerns about the future of global health collaboration and America’s role in international health governance.