In a series of executive actions on his first day back in office, President Donald Trump has ordered the withdrawal of the United States from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Agreement. These moves mark a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy and environmental stance, potentially reshaping global health and climate efforts.
WHO Withdrawal
President Trump cited several reasons for withdrawing from the WHO, including alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about the organization’s relationship with China. Despite Trump’s claims, multiple independent evaluations have affirmed that the WHO acted within the limits of the available data at the onset of the pandemic.
The withdrawal process will take one year to complete, during which time the U.S. will remain a member.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching:
- Financial impact: The U.S. is one of WHO’s largest financial contributors, providing approximately $1.28 billion in 2022-2023. This loss could severely constrain WHO’s ability to carry out critical global health initiatives.
- Operational challenges: The withdrawal will disrupt collaborations between WHO and U.S. agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
- Loss of influence: The U.S. will lose its voice at the World Health Assembly, potentially allowing other countries like China to take on larger roles in shaping global health policies.
Health experts warn that this move could undermine international efforts to prevent and respond to pandemics, potentially increasing global health risks. Liechtenstein is the only other independent nation that is not part of WHO.
The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a wide range of services and support for its member states:
Technical Assistance and Guidance
WHO offers technical assistance to countries in strengthening their health systems and addressing various health challenges. This includes:
- Supporting the development of national health policies and strategies
- Providing guidance on best practices in public health
- Offering expertise in disease prevention and control
- Assisting in health emergency preparedness and response
Setting International Health Standards
WHO establishes and promotes international health standards and norms, including:
- The International Classification of Diseases (ICD)
- Guidelines for essential medicines and health products
- Recommendations for health workforce training and labor policies
Health Emergency Response
During health emergencies, WHO:
- Coordinates international responses to outbreaks and disasters
- Provides medical supplies, equipment, and personnel
- Supports local governments in managing health crises
Research and Information
WHO contributes to global health knowledge by:
- Shaping research agendas and stimulating knowledge generation
- Collecting and disseminating health data and statistics
- Monitoring global health trends and assessing health risks
Capacity Building
The organization works to strengthen health systems by:
- Training health workers and supporting workforce development
- Helping countries improve their regulatory systems for medical products
- Assisting in the development of digital health systems and data management
Advocacy and Leadership
WHO serves as a global health leader by:
- Advocating for universal health coverage and health equity
- Promoting intersectoral approaches to address health determinants
- Engaging in health diplomacy and fostering international cooperation
Financial Protection
While not directly funding health services in most cases, WHO works towards:
- Promoting sustainable financing for health systems
- Advocating for financial protection to prevent catastrophic health expenditures
Paris Climate Agreement Exit
Simultaneously, President Trump ordered the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, fulfilling a campaign promise. The decision is based on the administration’s policy to prioritize American interests in international environmental agreements.
Key points of the withdrawal include:
- The U.S. will join Iran, Libya, and Yemen as the only countries not participating in the accord.
- The withdrawal process will take one year to complete.
- The White House has declared a “national energy emergency” to reverse U.S. climate regulations and boost oil and gas production.
This decision comes after global temperatures in 2024 surpassed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius for the first time in a single year. U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are projected to be at least 3% higher in 2030 than they would have been with Paris Agreement policies in place.
