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Implications of the U.S. Withdrawal from the WHO

The decision by President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) has significant implications for the country and the world at large. According to experts, this move makes the U.S. and other countries less safe from infectious diseases and other public-health threats. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the school of public health at Brown University and former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, emphasizes that the U.S. needs an effective WHO to keep Americans safe from diseases.

Dr. Tom Frieden, president and CEO of the nonprofit health organization Resolve to Save Lives and former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), also stresses that withdrawing from the WHO makes Americans and the world less safe. The WHO has expressed its regret over the U.S.’s decision, hoping that the country will reconsider and maintain their partnership for the benefit of global health and well-being.

Background of the Withdrawal

This is not the first time President Trump has attempted to withdraw from the WHO. In 2020, during the pandemic, Trump submitted a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations stating the U.S.’s intention to withdraw. However, the withdrawal did not occur, as then-President Biden later wrote to the Secretary-General saying that the U.S. would remain a member of the WHO.

In the new executive order, President Trump cites the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from political influence as reasons for the withdrawal. The order also claims that the U.S.’s member dues, which range from $100 to $122 million, are unfairly onerous and far out of proportion with other countries’ assessed payments.

Consequences of the Withdrawal

The withdrawal from the WHO may have significant consequences for the U.S. and the world. According to the WHO’s agreement with the U.S., the country is required to provide one year’s advance notice and pay any remaining balance to the organization in order to leave. However, it is unclear whether Congress would need to act to implement the withdrawal, as the original agreement was made through a joint act of Congress in 1948.

Lawrence Gostin, professor and chair of global health law at Georgetown University and director of the O’Neill Institute, suggests that President Trump’s decision may be subject to legal action. Gostin argues that Trump needs Congress’ approval to withdraw from the WHO, and that the executive order’s call for immediate cessation of payments may not be in line with the terms of the U.S.’s agreement with the WHO.

Impact on Global Health

The withdrawal from the WHO may have significant implications for global health. The WHO plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Without U.S. participation, the WHO may be less effective in responding to these crises, which could have devastating consequences for global health.

Additionally, the withdrawal may also impact the development of global health policies. The WHO provides a platform for countries to come together and develop policies to address global health issues. Without U.S. participation, these policies may be less effective, which could have significant consequences for global health.

Expert Analysis and Insights

Experts in the field of global health have expressed concern over the implications of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO. Dr. Jha emphasizes that the U.S. needs to work with the WHO to address global health issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Frieden also stresses that the WHO is critical to global health security, and that the U.S. should be working to strengthen the organization, not withdraw from it.

Lawrence Gostin suggests that the withdrawal may be motivated by political considerations, rather than a genuine concern for global health. Gostin argues that the U.S. should be working to reform the WHO from within, rather than withdrawing from the organization.

Real-World Applications and Examples

The implications of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO can be seen in real-world examples. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for international cooperation in responding to public health crises. The WHO has played a critical role in coordinating the international response to the pandemic, and the U.S. withdrawal may impact the effectiveness of this response.

Additionally, the withdrawal may also impact the development of global health policies. For example, the WHO has developed policies to address the spread of antimicrobial resistance, which is a significant threat to global health. Without U.S. participation, these policies may be less effective, which could have significant consequences for global health.

• The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO may impact the effectiveness of international responses to public health crises.
• The withdrawal may also impact the development of global health policies, such as policies to address the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
• The WHO plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to public health crises, and the U.S. withdrawal may impact the effectiveness of this response.