How a US Withdrawal from WHO Could Transform the Landscape

The Global Health Shift: How a U.S. Withdrawal from WHO Could Transform the Landscape

The U.S. may withdraw from the WHO, a decision that could shake global health dynamics. Here’s why this matters, especially for the Global South and the future of global health.

In a world already shaken by the pandemic, the potential U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) could spark new challenges and opportunities in global health. With President-elect Donald Trump indicating plans to realign America's approach to global health in foreign policy, we must take a closer look at the ripple effects this could have—especially for the Global South.

The U.S. has long been a central player in shaping the health landscape. However, in recent years, its relationship with the WHO has come under increasing scrutiny. The Trump administration, in 2020, voiced concerns over WHO's alleged biases towards China, specifically its handling of the COVID-19 crisis. This tension culminated in Trump’s decision to withdraw, although his successor, Joe Biden, reversed the move during his tenure. Still, as we face another shift in the White House, questions linger about the future of U.S. involvement with the global health agency.

The irony of this situation is hard to miss. While the U.S. has been a leader in funding global health efforts—contributing a massive $1.28 billion to WHO in 2022-2023—its own struggles with COVID-19 exposed vulnerabilities. The pandemic, which claimed over 1.2 million lives in the U.S., highlighted the risks of an isolationist approach to public health. As health experts, we must recognize that health is not just a domestic issue—it is intertwined with international collaboration.

One of the primary reasons behind the U.S. withdrawal is the contentious debate over the origins of COVID-19. While investigations continue, the politicization of the virus's origin, whether from a lab leak or zoonotic spillover, has overshadowed efforts to combat the pandemic itself. These tensions within the U.S. political landscape only complicate the larger question of how we should approach global health as a unified effort.

With the U.S. possibly stepping back from WHO, the question arises: who will fill the vacuum? Countries like China, with its growing influence in global health through initiatives like the "Health Silk Road," are ready to step up. Europe, too, is making strides, but it faces its own challenges, including reduced funding due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. The good news is that this shift could open the door for the Global South, including nations like India, to advocate for necessary reforms in global health governance.

India, in particular, has an opportunity to push for more transparency and accountability within WHO, especially in the wake of the pandemic. By prioritizing local organizations and adopting a bottom-up approach, countries in the Global South can work toward equitable health solutions that address their unique challenges. India, with its strong track record in public health, could play a pivotal role in reshaping global health norms, ensuring that science is communicated responsibly and that future pandemics are tackled with greater efficiency.

Ultimately, the U.S. withdrawal from WHO serves as a reminder that global health cannot be siloed. The interconnected nature of our world means that any health crisis—be it a virus, a mental health epidemic, or the impacts of climate change—affects us all. The Global South must step up, leading the charge for reform and creating a more collaborative and transparent global health framework for the future.

As the U.S. looks inward, it's time for the world to rethink its approach to health. With a unified effort, we can ensure that no one is left behind, no matter where they live. The future of global health will depend on how nations choose to come together in the face of adversity.

Source: orfonline