Understanding the US Withdrawal from the WHO: Consequences and Insights

Reasons for the US Withdrawal from WHO

The decision of the United States to withdraw from the WHO during Donald Trump’s presidency was driven by several cited reasons. The primary concerns included:

• Perceived mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic by the WHO.
• Failure to enact reforms that would ensure accountability and independence from political influences.
• Accusations that the WHO exhibited bias towards certain countries, especially China.
• The perception that US financial contributions were disproportionately high compared to those of other nations.

President Trump articulated that the WHO did not deliver sufficient results despite substantial funding from the US, leading to the decision to terminate the relationship.

WHO Funding and the Role of the US

The funding structure of the WHO is composed of assessed contributions, which are mandatory payments from member states, as well as voluntary contributions. The US stands out as the largest contributor, providing 22.5% of assessed contributions and a significant portion of the voluntary funds.

In 2023, the US accounted for 30% of the total voluntary contributions to the WHO, while China contributed a mere 0.14%. The withdrawal of US funding would create a significant financial gap, which would hinder the WHO’s ability to effectively run programs, especially in vulnerable regions.

Changes Outlined in the US Executive Order

The executive order regarding the withdrawal from the WHO specified several actions:

• Ceasing all funding and resources for WHO programs.
• Halting all contracts with WHO personnel and contractors.
• Finding new partners for health programs previously managed by the WHO.
• Starting negotiations for reforms and amendments in the WHO to enhance accountability.

WHO's Reaction to the US Decision

The WHO expressed regret regarding the US decision, highlighting its essential role in global health initiatives. It reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and emphasized the collaborative relationship it has maintained with the US over the last seventy years, particularly in immunization, pandemic response, and disease control.

Impact on India’s Healthcare System

India is likely to face disruptions in various programs that rely on WHO support. Key areas that could experience challenges include:

• Immunization drives and disease surveillance programs such as polio eradication and tuberculosis control.
• Monitoring of antimicrobial resistance.

The WHO also plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in India by providing technical expertise and establishing global health standards. A reduction in funding could delay critical health programs, thereby hindering India’s progress towards sustainable healthcare goals.

Potential for Other Countries to Fill the Funding Gap

While nations like China, Indonesia, and Spain have pledged to increase their contributions, these efforts are unlikely to completely bridge the funding gap left by the US withdrawal. The lack of substantial US funding could compel the WHO to scale back its global operations, adversely affecting vulnerable populations worldwide.

WHO's Role in India’s Public Health Programs

The WHO collaborates with the Indian government across various domains, including:

• Supporting vaccine distribution within India’s immunization programs.
• Providing guidance and resources for er