USA’S WITHDRAWAL FROM WHO
- On his first day in office, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
- The reasons cited for this decision included WHO’s perceived mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt necessary reforms, and its inability to operate independently of political influences.
- Trump also objected to the financial contributions demanded by WHO, claiming they were disproportionately high for the US, compared to other countries like China.
- Although the withdrawal wasn’t unexpected—Trump had threatened to do so earlier during his presidency—it raised concerns about the funding and global health expertise that the WHO would lose as a result.
KEY POINTS IN EXECUTIVE ORDER
- Suspension of Funding:
- The US government will pause any further transfer of funds to the WHO.
- Recall of Personnel:
- US personnel working with the WHO will be recalled, signaling a halt in collaboration.
- Identification of New Partners:
- The US will seek alternative international partners to carry out WHO’s necessary functions.
- Cease Pandemic Treaty Negotiations:
- The US will withdraw from the ongoing negotiations for a pandemic treaty aimed at better global preparedness and response to future pandemics, as well as fair distribution of medical resources like vaccines and treatments.
FINANCIAL IMPACT ON WHO
The US withdrawal from WHO is significant given the country’s contributions:
- Mandatory Contributions: The US provides about 5% of WHO’s assessed budget, a total of USD 138 million.
- By comparison, China contributes 15%, or USD 87.6 million.
- Voluntary Contributions: The US is the largest voluntary donor, contributing 13% (USD 356.3 million) of the total.
- China’s voluntary contribution is significantly smaller at 14% (USD 3.9 million).
The loss of these contributions will greatly impact WHO’s ability to fund its global health programs, particularly in developing countries.
WHO’s RESPONSE
- The WHO expressed regret over the US decision, emphasizing its crucial role in protecting global health, including that of Americans.
- The organization also pointed out that it had implemented significant reforms in recent years, which were achieved with the cooperation of the United States and other member states.
IMPACT ON INDIA
As a key partner in global health, India is likely to be affected by the US withdrawal from WHO in several ways:
- Health Program Support: WHO’s role in India is vital, particularly in tackling diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and neglected tropical diseases.
- It also plays a critical role in India’s immunization program, with WHO teams monitoring vaccine coverage.
- Loss of Expertise and Guidance: The expertise of US professionals, especially from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been integral to WHO’s role in global health.
- If US personnel are recalled, India might face challenges in adapting WHO’s global health frameworks to its local context.
- Impact on Collaboration: The severing of ties between the CDC and WHO could hinder international efforts in disease surveillance and response to health emergencies.
- India, as a major health player, may face disruptions in cross-border health cooperation.
- Vulnerabilities in Health Programs: WHO’s guidance on chronic diseases, vaccine development, and pandemic preparedness has shaped health policies worldwide, including in India.
- Without US funding and participation, some of these initiatives might not be as effective or timely.
GLOBAL SOUTH’S ROLE
- The vacuum left by the US is likely to be filled by China and countries from the global south, including India.
- India, with its growing global influence and health expertise, could play an increasingly important role in international health governance.
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already been a strong advocate for global health cooperation and could further elevate India’s leadership in this space.
- As the voice of the global south, India can leverage its position to rally other nations and organizations to step up their contributions to global health.
- There is also potential for greater collaboration between India and other rising powers, like South Africa, to bridge the gap left by the US.
MOVING FORWARD
- In light of the US withdrawal, WHO will need to find alternative funding sources and strengthen collaborations with other international partners.
- The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), along with countries like Australia, Indonesia, and Spain, have already pledged more resources, and this trend could continue as global health efforts adapt to the shifting dynamics.
- India, with its robust public health infrastructure and leadership role in the global south, stands at a crossroads.
- It has the opportunity to expand its influence in global health and support initiatives that aim to address health inequities, pandemic preparedness, and universal health coverage.
CONCLUSION
The US decision to withdraw from WHO poses significant challenges for global health governance, including in India. The loss of funding and expertise may affect WHO’s operations and its support for health programs in India. However, this shift also opens doors for India and other countries to step into leadership roles, ensuring the continuity.
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