In a recent move highlighting the discord between the United States and the World Health Organization (WHO), Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged global leaders to push the US to reverse its decision to exit the United Nations health agency. The call to action comes amidst private discussions where critical disease outbreak information was highlighted as at risk due to the US departure.
Tedros addressed diplomats in a closed-door meeting, emphasizing the significant loss of crucial data on global disease outbreaks that the US will face if it proceeds with its exit. He conveyed that convincing the US to reconsider is vital for maintaining international health data exchange.
Meanwhile, internal WHO meetings have shown member countries expressing concerns about how the organization will cope without the financial contribution of its largest donor. The US is set to provide approximately $988 million to the WHO’s $6.9 billion budget for 2024-2025. This includes significant funding for health emergencies and disease preparation efforts, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
A German envoy, Bjorn Kummel, starkly illustrated the urgency by stating, ‘the roof is on fire, and we need to stop the blaze as quickly as possible.’ This sentiment was echoed by discussions on the potential collapse of crucial WHO functions without US funding, particularly in areas such as polio and HIV eradication. According to internal documents, the absence of US funding would severely impact WHO’s operations in regions like the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan.
Financial discussions revealed that the WHO is already experiencing cash flow challenges, exacerbated by the US’s delay in settling its dues for 2024. WHO’s Chief Financial Officer, George Kyriacou, noted the organization’s current spending pace could lead to significant financial strain by the first half of 2026.
Despite the executive order for immediate cessation of US collaboration with the WHO, Tedros highlighted the continued provision of some data to US scientists, stressing the need for ongoing information exchange. He urged member states to engage US officials in reconsidering their stance, underscoring that the decision transcends financial considerations and hinges on access to critical health information.
The decision has sparked debate on the future of global public health. While some experts perceive the US exit as a detrimental move, others view it as a potential catalyst for restructuring international health priorities. Georgetown University’s Matthew Kavanagh noted the minimal portion of the US health budget the WHO constitutes, emphasizing the extensive benefits the US obtains from WHO membership, including early warnings on health threats.
WHO’s emergency head, Dr. Michael Ryan, acknowledged the severity of losing the US as a partner but remained optimistic about other member states stepping up to address the funding gaps. Ryan commented that the US is essentially severing ties with a global community.
Acknowledging the challenges, Tedros also noted the WHO’s ongoing efforts in tackling health crises such as Marburg virus in Tanzania and Ebola in Uganda, which rely heavily on international cooperation and data sharing. In addressing member states, Tedros called for united global action to navigate the current crisis.
The withdrawal of the United States from the WHO poses not only a financial hurdle but a significant challenge to global health collaboration. As the US considers its position, the international community grapples with the ramifications of this decision. It remains to be seen how this development will reshape the landscape of global health efforts.
