US withdrawal from the WHO and its potential impacts
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Source: The post US withdrawal from the WHO and its potential impacts has been created, based on the article “Under Trump, US withdraws from WHO: Impact, what this means for India” published in “Indian Express” on 22nd January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Context: The article discusses US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO, citing funding issues, lack of reforms, and political influence. It highlights the financial, operational, and global health impacts, urging nations like India to step up leadership.

For detailed information on Trump’s Re-election and India US Relations read this article here

Why Did the US Withdraw from the WHO?

  1. The US withdrew due to WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of reforms, political influence by member states.
  2. The US also objected to its high financial contributions compared to other countries, like China. 3. Trump had previously threatened withdrawal and officially notified the UN in 2020.
  3. While the WHO’s constitution does not have a withdrawal provision, the US Congress set a condition in 1948 allowing withdrawal with a one-year notice and settlement of financial obligations.

What Does the Executive Order Say?

  1. Funds and Resources: All US funding and resources to WHO will be paused.
  2. Personnel Withdrawal: US government staff and contractors working with WHO will be recalled.
  3. New Partnerships: The US will identify other global and domestic partners to handle WHO’s activities.
  4. Pandemic Treaty Exit: The US will stop negotiating the WHO pandemic treaty aimed at global pandemic response.

What is the Financial Impact?

  1. The US contributes 22.5% of WHO’s assessed contributions (USD 138 million of USD 578 million).
  2. The US also provides 13% of voluntary contributions (USD 356.3 million).
  3. China, with three times the US population, contributes far less: USD 87.6 million (assessed) and USD 3.9 million (voluntary).
  4. WHO faces a major funding gap, as its assessed contributions cover less than 20% of its budget.

How Will the Withdrawal Affect India?

  1. Health Programs: WHO supports India’s immunization efforts, neglected disease programs, and tuberculosis and HIV control. Funding cuts may reduce WHO’s effectiveness.
  2. Expertise Loss: WHO guidelines, developed by global experts (including US experts), will face challenges.
  3. CDC Collaboration: Ending US-WHO collaboration will affect global disease surveillance and response.

What Role Can India and the Global South Play?

  1. Filling the Vacuum: India and other global south countries can lead, with China also expected to step up.
  2. India’s Contribution: India’s health initiatives and leadership, under PM Modi, can inspire other nations.
  3. Global Partnerships: Philanthropies like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation may fill some gaps, alongside Europe and other countries.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind the US withdrawal from the WHO and its potential impacts.


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