President Trump's recent executive order to withdraw from the WHO raises significant concerns about global public health amidst ongoing challenges like pandemics.

On January 20, President Donald Trump marked the beginning of his second term by signing a series of executive orders, one of which includes the controversial decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision, criticized by health experts and political leaders, threatens significant funding to critical global health initiatives, potentially undermining pandemic preparedness and response efforts worldwide.

Trump's administration pointed to the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic as a primary reason for the withdrawal. While the U.S. was responsible for a substantial share of WHO funding—over $100 million annually—this executive order may disrupt vital programs, including those targeting global immunization, tuberculosis treatment, and HIV prevention. Critics argue that exiting the WHO will diminish America’s capacity to shape international health responses and weakens global coordination efforts during health crises.

As the U.S. considers this withdrawal, the implications for global health security and cooperation are particularly concerning. Experts highlight that the fight against communicable diseases is a collective endeavor—without the U.S. as a funding and leadership member of the WHO, efforts to prevent future pandemics could stall, leaving both global and domestic health at risk.