US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the second time in less than five terms. “Ooh," Trump reacted as he was handed the action to sign. “That’s a big one!” “World Health ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States.
It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump said. This move has elicited strong reactions from scientists, public health experts, and world leaders. Trump’s justification for leaving the WHO hinges on claims of mismanagement, lack of autonomy, and unequal financial burdens on the US.
His executive order criticised the organisation’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, alleged political influence from member states such as China, and its perceived resistance to reforms. The US, historically the WHO’s largest donor, has contributed roughly 18 per cent of its annual budget. The executive order also aims to redirect US funds to other global health initiatives and reassess priorities.
However, the withdrawal requires a one-year notice period and fulfillment of financial obligations before becoming final. The US withdrawal is expected to significantly impact WHO financially and operationally. Over the past decade, US contributions have ranged from $160 million to $815 million annually, supporting programmes like polio eradication, maternal and child health, and infectious disease surveillance.
With a $2-3 billion annual budget, the WHO’s reliance on US .
