News
2025
U/A 16+
U.S To Exit WHO Citing 'COVID-19 Mishandling', Trump's Move Puts Many Health Programs At RiskThe US withdrawal could significantly impact WHO's funding, as the country is the top donor and partner to WHO, contributing through assessed contributions and voluntary funding, according to WHO’s websitePresident Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States would exit from the health agency, World Health Organization, citing the organization's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the reasons.The United Nations’ health agency, World Health Organization (WHO), plays an important role in handling global health challenges, including the world's response to health emergencies, promoting well-being, preventing disease and expanding access to health care.The US withdrawal could significantly impact WHO's funding, as the country is the top donor and partner to WHO, contributing through assessed contributions and voluntary funding, according to WHO’s website.“The United States contributed $ 1.284 billion during the 2022–2023 biennium, enabling work by WHO, the United States and other countries and partners to identify and respond to emergencies, stop disease threats from spreading across borders and advance other key global health priorities,” it said adding that these “contributions help keep the United States and the world safe from threats while supporting better health and well-being for populations around the world, with a focus on the most vulnerable.”As per 2022-23 data, the US is followed by Germany, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, GAVI and European Commission as top five donors.The order issued by Trump said the US was withdrawing "due to the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states." It also stated the "unfairly onerous payments" the US has made to support the organization.The United States had been a member of the WHO since its inception in 1948, and its exit would leave it as the only major power outside the 194-member organization.According to global health experts, America's departure may put at risk several programmes such as tackling tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and other health emergencies.The country has started the process to leave the United Nations health agency and in 12 months' time it will exit and stop all financial contributions.Show more