The United States has officially ended its membership in the World Health Organization (WHO). As a result, the U.S. is shifting how it engages with other nations regarding global health issues. This marks the end of its contributions over several decades toward multilateral health programs.
Shifting how it engages on global health issues
While the Trump administration refers to this move as “a realignment of strategy,” they are not withdrawing from a position of leading the world on international health matters.
The United States government has stressed that withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) does not indicate that the U.S. will no longer be engaged in efforts to address global health concerns; however, the manner in which the U.S. collaborates with other countries on global health concerns will differ.
In terms of policy, the emphasis is being placed on developing bilateral agreements for health matters and establishing regional health initiatives that are seen as more flexible and responsive than the large multilateral organizations involved in global health issues.
Up until now, the public messaging about the withdrawal process did not include details about when the process would begin or when it would be legally completed. However, it is evident that the process of withdrawing from the WHO is complete, as federal officials who oversee both health and foreign policy have confirmed that the U.S. is no longer obligated to participate in the organization’s activities and roles.
Completing legal obligations and dissolving administrative ties
Upon expiration of the statutory requirements for advance notification, the U.S. lost its status as a member of the World Health Organization (WHO). According to U.S. federal officials, all legal actions required under U.S. law and international commitments have been taken to terminate the U.S.’s membership in the WHO.
The fact that the legal action is complete sets the U.S.’s current disengagement from WHO institutions apart from the U.S.’s previous political rhetoric regarding withdrawal from WHO. A presentation of the U.S. in all WHO forums has been discontinued, and administrative relations with WHO have been terminated. Both health and diplomacy leadership stated that the finalization of this phase provided for a seamless transition from the WHO and avoided the possibility of an extended or uncertain transition.
As part of the process of terminating the U.S.’s relationship with the WHO, the U.S. has ended its participation in the WHO institutions. Representatives of the U.S. Department of State and other U.S. federal agencies have indicated that mechanisms are currently being developed to replace the WHO’s role in coordinating disease surveillance and emergency response efforts. However, the coordination will be outside of the WHO.
International impacts on global health collaboration
The United States’ departure from the WHO does create some uncertainty for international partners regarding the coordination of global health emergencies; however, U.S. officials have continued to affirm their willingness to collaborate on a global basis.
Strategically, the U.S. decision to disengage from the WHO also reflects a larger re-evaluation of participation within multilateral organizations. Statements issued jointly by senior U.S. officials indicate that the U.S. intends to continue its membership within other multilateral health organizations; however, only under terms that are believed by the administration to be consistent with its national health priorities and governance standards.
The U.S.’s formal withdrawal from the World Health Organization represents a significant policy development rather than an act of symbolism. The U.S. decision to formally withdraw from the WHO is a purposeful step toward developing alternative international models for engaging globally in health issues. Only time will tell whether the successful implementation of these new models of global health engagement will result in long-term, sustainable global health outcomes.
