
Writes Dr. Umeano Obinna
President Trump has signed an executive order beginning the process of withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization. This was among dozens of executive orders he signed after being sworn in on Monday for a second term.
Meanwhile, the WHO had come under intense criticism from Mr. Trump in 2020 for its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which grew into a worldwide health crisis during the final year of his first term.
The World Health Organization (WHO) now stands to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in funding from the United States of America, which is one of its largest contributors.
This reduction in funding could severely impact the WHO’s ability to respond to global health crises and carry out its mandate.
The withdrawal of the United States from the WHO could compromise global health security, particularly in the face of pandemics like COVID-19. The WHO plays a critical role in coordinating international responses to health crises, and the loss of U.S. participation could undermine these efforts.

Trump’s decision to withdraw from the WHO may also have broader implications for international relations. The move could be seen as a retreat from multilateralism and a rejection of the international cooperation that underpins global health governance.
The Executive Order also establishes directorates and coordinating mechanisms within the National Security Council apparatus to safeguard public health and fortify biosecurity. This move could be seen as an attempt to strengthen the U.S. national security by reducing dependence on international organizations like the WHO.
Finally, Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the WHO has far-reaching implications for global health, international relations, and U.S. national security.
Dr. Umeano Obinna, is a lecturer and a human rights activist.