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Global Health Implications Loom Large as Trump Signs Executive Order to Pull US Out of WHO

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Global Health Implications Loom Large as Trump Signs Executive Order to Pull US Out of WHO

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By Emmanuel Kwada

In a move that’s sending shockwaves around the world, US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).

This decision is expected to trigger a significant restructuring of the institution and could further disrupt global health initiatives. Trump has been a vocal critic of the WHO, accusing the organization of being overly influenced by China and mishandling the Covid-19 pandemic. The US is the largest donor to the WHO, providing substantial financial support that’s vital to the organization’s operations.

The withdrawal is not just a matter of finances, but also has significant implications for global health security

The withdrawal is not just a matter of finances, but also has significant implications for global health security. The timing of the withdrawal is particularly concerning, as the world is facing a potential pandemic threat from the current bird flu outbreak (H5N1). The WHO has been negotiating a treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response since late 2021, but these negotiations will now proceed without US participation.

This is not the first time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO. During his first term, he issued a notice of intent to withdraw, but this move was later reversed by former President Joe Biden’s administration.

The new executive order directs agencies to pause future funding to the WHO and identify alternative partners to assume necessary activities

The new executive order directs agencies to pause future funding to the WHO and identify alternative partners to assume necessary activities. The administration also plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which was designed to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats.

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