Why US Exited WHO – Health Sector In Disarray

Among the 200 executive orders signed by US President Donald Trump is exiting the World Health Organization (WHO). The US is the biggest single donor of WHO accounting for 18 per cent of its 2023 budget. 

This move has thrown the health sector into a quagmire since WHO has been running many health programs geared toward strengthening health systems across the world. With the biggest donor exiting, many of these programs are likely to grind to a halt for lack of sufficient funding.

 Why US exited WHO

According to Trump, America is paying too much money compared to other countries. Previously, Trump had labeled WHO as a “corrupt globalist scam paid by the US but owned and controlled by China.” 

The United Nations (UN) on Tuesday expressed regret following the US’s plan to withdraw from the organization.

“The WHO regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization,” WHO spokesperson Tarik Jesarevic said in a statement. “We hope the United States will reconsider.”

However, it is not the first time that the US had considered exiting WHO, in 2020 Donald Trump had taken steps to withdraw from the organization but president Joe Biden reversed the move.

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The US joined the organization in 1948 after a joint resolution from both chambers of Congress making America one of the founding members of the world’s biggest health organization.

Director-General of WHO Adhanom Gebreyesus expressed hopes that the US will reconsider its decision arguing that the partnershing between US and WHO will be benefiting millions of people across the world.

“We look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe,” Gebreyesus said in a statement.

Many developing countries which often depend on WHO for health aid in terms of medical supplies and health programs are likely to end up in shortage of supplies since the biggest donor is out. Even more, it’s a wake-up call for these countries to reconsider their overdependence on foreign aid in the health sector.