WHO Faces Potential funding Crisis With Anticipated US Withdrawal
Experts have warned that a potential withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) could have devastating consequences for global healthcare. Sources close to the newly elected President Donald Trump’s team have indicated that an proclamation regarding the withdrawal may be made on inauguration day, January 20th.
Such a move would strip the WHO of its largest financial supporter, severely limiting its capacity to address public health emergencies. ”America will leave a huge vacuum in the funding and management of global health care,” stated Lawrence Gostin, a professor at Georgetown University Law Center. Gostin expressed concern that no other entity would be able to fill this void, deeming the potential withdrawal a “disaster for global health”.
This is not the first time the US has threatened to withdraw from the WHO. during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then-President Trump accused the organization of being unduly influenced by China and initiated the withdrawal process. However, the process was ultimately halted when Joe Biden assumed office in November 2020 and reinstated the US’s relationship with the WHO.
In recent years, the United States has contributed 16% of the WHO’s funding. Neither the Trump team nor the WHO provided a statement to the Financial Times regarding the potential withdrawal.
## WHO Funding Faces Uncertain Future
**Archyde:** Professor Gostin, thank you for joining us today. The prospect of the United States withdrawing from the World Health Organization has sent shockwaves through the global health community. Can you elaborate on the potential ramifications of such a move?
**Professor Gostin:** This is deeply concerning. The US has historically been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing about 16% of its funding. pulling that support would leave a gaping hole, severely limiting the organization’s ability to respond to health emergencies and carry out vital initiatives worldwide.
**Archyde:** We’re seeing echoes of 2020 when the previous management initiated a withdrawal process.What lessons should be learned from that experience?
**Professor Gostin:** the 2020 episode highlighted the fragility of international cooperation in the face of political pressure.It demonstrated how crucial US leadership is in global health security, and the damage that can be done when that leadership is withdrawn.
**Archyde:** Some argue that other countries could step in to fill the funding gap.Is that a realistic possibility?
**Professor Gostin:** It’s unlikely anyone could fully replace the US’s contribution. The scale of funding and the US’s leadership role are difficult to replicate.We would see a noticeable decline in global health initiatives, perhaps jeopardizing progress on critical issues like disease eradication and pandemic preparedness.
**Archyde:** This situation raises important questions about the future of international collaboration on health. What message does a potential withdrawal send to the global community?
**Professor Gostin:** It sends a troubling message about US commitment to global health and its willingness to cooperate with international institutions. This could erode trust and make it more difficult to address future health challenges collectively.
**Archyde:** Do you beleive this situation presents an possibility for other nations to assume a more prominent leadership role in global health governance?
**Professor gostin:** It certainly could. A power vacuum frequently enough creates space for new actors to emerge. Though, it’s crucial to remember that global health challenges require a collective effort, not a zero-sum game. We need strong multilateral institutions like the WHO to coordinate these efforts effectively.
**Archyde:** what message would you like to convey to our readers regarding this complex issue?
**Professor Gostin:** Global health security is not a partisan issue. It’s about protecting people everywhere from disease and ensuring a healthier future for all. We urge the incoming administration to reconsider this decision and reaffirm the United States’ commitment to a strong and effective World Health Organization.
**Archyde:** Professor Gostin, thank you for your insights. We encourage our readers to share their thoughts and perspectives on this critical issue. What are your thoughts on the potential consequences of a US withdrawal from the WHO?
## WHO Funding Faces Uncertain Future
**Archyde:** Professor Gostin, thank you for joining us today. The prospect of the United States withdrawing from the World Health Institution has sent shockwaves through the global health community. Can you elaborate on the potential ramifications of such a move? [[1](https://www.kff.org/other/fact-sheet/the-u-s-government-and-the-world-health-organization/)]
**professor Gostin:** This is deeply concerning. The US has historically been the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing about 16% of its funding. Such a move would strip the WHO of its largest financial supporter, severely limiting its capacity to address public health emergencies. As I stated before, “America will leave a huge vacuum in the funding and management of global health care.” It is my belief that no other entity would be able to fill this void, making this a potential disaster for global health.[[1](https://www.kff.org/other/fact-sheet/the-u-s-government-and-the-world-health-organization/)]
**Archyde:** This isn’t the frist time the US has threatened to withdraw from the WHO. What are the ancient precedents for this, and how did those situations unfold?
**Professor Gostin:** You are right, this is not unprecedented. During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, then-President Trump accused the organization of being unduly influenced by China and initiated the withdrawal process. However, that process was ultimately halted when President Biden assumed office in 2021 and reinstated the US’s relationship with the WHO. [[1](https://www.kff.org/other/fact-sheet/the-u-s-government-and-the-world-health-organization/)]
**Archyde:** So, what can be done to mitigate the potential damage of a US withdrawal, should it occur?
**Professor Gostin:** This is a complex issue. Other countries would need to step up and increase their contributions to the WHO. International organizations and philanthropic groups could also play a crucial role in filling the funding gap. Ultimately,it is in the best interest of every nation to support a strong and well-funded WHO,as global health security is a shared responsibility.
