Why Trump withdrew United States from WHO

U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated the process to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing several reasons for this decision.

Firstly, Trump claims that the WHO mishandled the COVID-19 pandemic response, which has been a major global health crisis.

Another reason for the withdrawal is Trump’s allegation that the WHO is “controlled by China.”

This suggests that Trump believes the organization is overly influenced by Chinese interests, which could impact its ability to make impartial decisions on global health matters.

Lastly, Trump argues that the United States pays unfairly high contributions to the WHO compared to other nations.

In 2022-2023, the U.S. contributed $1.284 billion to the WHO, making it the organization’s largest financial contributor.

This withdrawal has sparked concerns among public health experts, who worry about the potential impact on global disease prevention and response efforts.

The WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses, and the U.S. withdrawal could create a significant gap in funding and expertise.

The implications of this decision are far-reaching, and many are questioning how it will affect global health cooperation.

In a world where diseases don’t respect borders, the need for international cooperation on health matters is more pressing than ever.

The withdrawal of the U.S. from the WHO could undermine efforts to track disease outbreaks, protect people across borders, and handle future pandemics.

This is not the first time Trump has attempted to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO.

In 2020, he initiated a similar process, but it was reversed by President Biden when he took office.

It remains to be seen how this latest development will play out and what the long-term consequences will be for global health.

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a vital agency of the United Nations, founded in 1948 with significant help from the United States.

Its primary mission is to tackle the world’s most pressing health challenges and improve the well-being of people globally.

The WHO plays a critical role in providing humanitarian aid, tracking epidemics, monitoring and responding to emerging health crises, and coordinating international efforts to address health challenges that transcend national borders.

The WHO biennial budget is approximately $6.8 billion, with the United States being the largest contributor.

Diaspora Digital Media understands that  the U.S. withdrawal process won’t be immediate.

A joint resolution adopted by Congress requires the country to provide a year’s notice and fulfill its financial obligations to the organization for the current fiscal year, before pulling out.