On January 20, 2021, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns over the disproportionate contributions the US makes compared to other countries like China. As the largest donor to the WHO, the US’s departure would significantly impact the organization’s ability to fund global health programs, such as eradicating polio, responding to health emergencies, and developing pandemic prevention strategies. Experts warn that this move could disrupt global health collaboration, including pandemic agreements and the sharing of vital health information, undermining efforts to control outbreaks like mpox or vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, the loss of US funding would weaken global health preparedness, particularly regarding bird flu outbreaks. The decision is seen as damaging both to the US's global health leadership and to public health worldwide. Continue here.
