The U.S. and WHO: A Vital Partnership for Global Health
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Source: This post on The U.S. and WHO: A Vital Partnership for Global Health has been created based on article WHO is right – The U.S. must return to WHO’s fold in its own interest” published in The Hindu on 24th January 2025.

Vital Partnership of Global Health

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS Paper 2-International relations

Context: The article discusses the implications of the United States’ decision under President Donald Trump to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The withdrawal, driven by accusations of bias and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, is portrayed as a short-sighted and potentially damaging decision, not only for global health efforts but also for the United States itself.

What decision did the U.S. make regarding WHO?

  1. Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing it of bias and mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. The U.S. plans to officially exit WHO within 12 months and halt all financial contributions.

What reasons did Mr. Trump give for the withdrawal?

  1. Trump accused WHO of being partisan towards China despite the U.S. being its largest financial contributor.
  2. He criticized WHO for its slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic and claimed it was “owned and controlled by China.”
  3. His administration had previously attempted to halt WHO funding in 2020 but was unable to finalize the move during his term.

Why is the U.S. withdrawal significant for WHO?

  1. The U.S. is a founding member of WHO and its biggest financial backer, contributing around 18% of WHO’s overall funding.
  2. Withdrawal of these funds will severely impact global health programs, including:
    1. HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis interventions.
    2. Eradication of infectious diseases.
    3. Equity in access to life-saving drugs.
    4. Strengthening health systems and disease outbreak prevention.

How does this decision affect global health?

  1. Pathogens and diseases do not respect borders, and global health operates in a shared system.
  2. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that collaboration, open sharing of data, and technology among nations are crucial.
  3. The lack of U.S. participation and funding will weaken WHO’s ability to ensure global health security.

Why is U.S. participation in WHO crucial for global health?

  1. Global health challenges require collective action. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that “no one is safe until everyone is safe.”
  2. Without U.S. support, the global health community may face setbacks in combating future pandemics and ensuring health equity.

What is the broader hope of the global health community?

  1. The global health community hopes for a reversal of the U.S. decision to withdraw from WHO.
  2. The U.S.’s return is seen as critical for restoring funding, collaboration, and leadership in global health initiatives.

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