President Trump has only been in office for four days but has already made controversial decisions regarding the state of the country. Trump has pulled the United States out of the World Health Organization, a United Nations agency that promotes health and international safety. Trump’s decision to opt out of this organization can feel illogical, considering that America arguably needs more help to see improvement in the health of our nation.
Without the WHO on our side, it will be incredibly hard for our nation to stay healthy.
Trump attempted to leave WHO during his first term, but the executive order wouldn’t have gone into effect until Biden’s presidential term. He previously believed that the organization failed to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and that there was a sense of corruption. The new president has also discussed that the organization has required unfair payments, with the US giving more than other countries.
The World Health Organization’s Headquarters is located in Switzerland, working incredibly hard to improve global public health with 150 field offices worldwide. The organization consists of 194 Member States and was established in 1948. The WHO has played a key role in the recovery of significant illnesses like smallpox and polio and was even the developer of the Ebola vaccine. They were initially formed with concerns of cholera and were signed into creation by all 51 countries of the United Nations and 10 separate countries.
The World Health Organization is an important agency that operates on international health concerns. Therefore, Trump’s decision to leave the World Health Organization is harmful not only to the health of our nation, but our relationships with the countries part of WHO. The organization is incredibly upset over the United States of America’s withdrawal from the group. The WHO Media Team responded by saying that they “hope the United States will reconsider” and “look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”
This decision from Trump won’t come into effect until January of 2026, meaning that the United States will technically still be partnered with WHO for another year. However, the three years after that will likely face incredible consequences. WHO’s international presence will cause a lack of trust between the United States and the other 193 members, meaning we could lose our presence as an international ally. This also removes a strong organization that can help us come back from any major outbreaks that could occur, reducing the correct knowledge and resources for the US. Once a key founder and ally, America may now cause the WHO to lose a sense of quality in the way it functions on a global scale.
If you wish to speak up about this withdrawal, contact your elected representative to bring a response to this costly decision.