The United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2021 has significant implications for global health governance and pandemic response. The WHO's annual meeting is currently underway, with a focus on finalizing an international agreement on pandemic protection and response.
The US withdrew from the WHO following President Donald Trump's announcement that the country would no longer participate in the organization or provide funding. This decision was made despite the WHO's crucial role in coordinating global responses to pandemics and providing essential health services to low-income countries. The withdrawal has left a significant gap in funding, with Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warning of a $1.7 billion shortfall that must be addressed.
The agreement on pandemic protection and response aims to improve global coordination and surveillance, as well as access to vaccines. However, its effectiveness will be questioned without the participation of a major player like the US, which invested heavily in vaccine development during the pandemic. The treaty's provisions, including the guarantee that countries sharing virus samples will receive tests, medicines, and vaccines, are seen as a positive step forward for global health cooperation.
The WHO is considering increasing membership fees by 20% and cutting salary-related expenses by 25% to mitigate the funding issue. This move highlights the challenges faced by international organizations when key players withdraw their support. The US's absence from the talks also underscores the tension between national interests and multilateral cooperation in global health governance, creating uncertainty about its commitment to these efforts.