Riya Baibhawi

Explained: Here’s What Might Happen To The US And World If America Quits WHO

US Exit From WHO

US President Donald <span>Trump</span>, on Monday, announced the withdrawal of his country from the <span>World Health Organization</span> (<span>WHO</span>). He had previously tried to withdraw in 2020, accusing the global health agency of conspiring with China to hide critical information about the COVID-19 pandemic. The withdrawal was halted when President Joe Biden took office and reasserted US membership. Even now, the legal pathway for withdrawal remains complex as it is not clear whether his decision would require congressional approval or not.

But if all things go as planned and the US successfully pulls out from WHO, then it would need to provide one year’s notice and settle any outstanding financial obligations to formally exit. This is as per an agreement, which was established with the formation of WHO in 1948.

<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Very Profound Implications For Global Health</h2>

US' possible exit would have a very severe impact on global health. One major consequence would be the severing of close ties between the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is one of the most credible health agencies in the world. Currently, dozens of CDC researchers work from within the WHO, serving as vital bridges between the US and the global health community. These scientists play a crucial role in sharing information about emerging health threats and policies designed to combat chronic diseases.

It would be disastrous for the US scientists as well as they would lose their diplomatic immunity to travel to many countries. Historically, this neutral stance has allowed adversarial nations to unite in addressing global health challenges. For example, during the Cold War, America and the Soviet Union worked through the WHO to eradicate smallpox. Similarly, in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts from the US, China, and other nations cooperated via WHO mechanisms to address the crisis despite geopolitical tensions.

WHO also relies on networks like its influenza laboratory system, which includes over 50 labs across 41 member states and five "super labs," one of which is at the CDC. America's exit might disrupt such vital networks and could lead to diminished American participation in WHO expert committees. This could give other countries and even private contributors to dominate WHO and its health policies.

<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Financial Impact Of US Withdrawal From WHO</h2>The US is one of the largest contributors to WHO. At present, America contributes 20% of its budget, the rest 80% is donated by other member nations, private organizations, and philanthropic groups, which already account for about 80% of its funding. A withdrawal would make the Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus-led organisation to be more reliant on smaller countries and private players.

Has Any Country Withdrawn From WHO in the Past?

Historically, even during periods of tension, nations have recognized the WHO's importance in addressing global health crises. For instance, the Soviet Union and its allies temporarily left the WHO during the early Cold War but eventually rejoined, acknowledging its value. One country, Liechtenstein, is a UN member state not part of the WHO.

<h2 style="margin-bottom: 0.7em; line-height: 1.3; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 24px; background: 0px 0px; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Why WHO Matters</h2>The WHO’s work in coordinating responses to global health crises, setting international health standards, and fostering collaboration among nations is crucial in an increasingly interconnected world. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, emphasizes, “America cannot fight these diseases alone. We need an effective WHO to keep the world—and Americans—safe.” The stakes of a US withdrawal are high, not only for the country itself but for the entire world. The decision could redefine global health dynamics, with lasting repercussions for decades to come.

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US President Donald Trump, on Monday, announced the withdrawal of his country from the World Health Organization (WHO). He had previously tried to withdraw in 2020, accusing the global health agency of conspiring with China to hide critical information about the COVID-19 pandemic. The withdrawal was halted when President Joe Biden took office and reasserted US membership. Even now, the legal pathway for withdrawal remains complex as it is not clear whether his decision would require congressional approval or not.But if all things go as planned and the US successfully pulls out from WHO, then it would need to provide one year’s notice and settle any outstanding financial obligations to formally exit. This is as per an agreement, which was established with the formation of WHO in 1948.Very Profound Implications For Global HealthUS' possible exit would have a very severe impact on global health. One major consequence would be the severing of close ties between the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is one of the most credible health agencies in the world. Currently, dozens of CDC researchers work from within the WHO, serving as vital bridges between the US and the global health community. These scientists play a crucial role in sharing information about emerging health threats and policies designed to combat chronic diseases.It would be disastrous for the US scientists as well as they would lose their diplomatic immunity to travel to many countries. Historically, this neutral stance has allowed adversarial nations to unite in addressing global health challenges. For example, during the Cold War, America and the Soviet Union worked through the WHO to eradicate smallpox. Similarly, in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts from the US, China, and other nations cooperated via WHO mechanisms to address the crisis despite geopolitical tensions.WHO also relies on networks like its influenza laboratory system, which includes over 50 labs across 41 member states and five "super labs," one of which is at the CDC. America's exit might disrupt such vital networks and could lead to diminished American participation in WHO expert committees. This could give other countries and even private contributors to dominate WHO and its health policies.Financial Impact Of US Withdrawal From WHOThe US is one of the largest contributors to WHO. At present, America contributes 20% of its budget, the rest 80% is donated by other member nations, private organizations, and philanthropic groups, which already account for about 80% of its funding. A withdrawal would make the Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus-led organisation to be more reliant on smaller countries and private players.Has Any Country Withdrawn From WHO in the Past?Historically, even during periods of tension, nations have recognized the WHO's importance in addressing global health crises. For instance, the Soviet Union and its allies temporarily left the WHO during the early Cold War but eventually rejoined, acknowledging its value. One country, Liechtenstein, is a UN member state not part of the WHO.Why WHO MattersThe WHO’s work in coordinating responses to global health crises, setting international health standards, and fostering collaboration among nations is crucial in an increasingly interconnected world. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and former White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, emphasizes, “America cannot fight these diseases alone. We need an effective WHO to keep the world—and Americans—safe.” The stakes of a US withdrawal are high, not only for the country itself but for the entire world. The decision could redefine global health dynamics, with lasting repercussions for decades to come.