Healthcare groups criticize U.S. withdrawal from WHO

Healthcare groups criticize U.S. withdrawal from WHO

USA – Healthcare organizations representing physicians, nurses, and infection control experts are strongly opposing President Donald Trump’s executive order to withdraw the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO).

These groups argue that leaving the global health body will significantly hinder the nation’s ability to respond to future public health crises.

On January 20, President Trump signed the executive order to exit the WHO, citing the organization’s “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic” and other international health emergencies.

philippinespharmahealthcare advert 2

Just days later, on January 23, he formally notified the United Nations of the U.S.’s intent to leave by January 22, 2026.

This withdrawal follows a 1948 resolution requiring the U.S. to provide one year’s notice and settle any outstanding dues. The U.S. has been a founding member of the WHO and remains its largest donor.

The WHO, based in Geneva and consisting of 194 member countries, plays a crucial role in coordinating global health efforts, including data sharing, treatment access, and vaccine distribution during health emergencies.

In response to the withdrawal decision, prominent medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians have urged Congress to block the proposal.

These groups represent over 600,000 physicians in the U.S., and they emphasize that staying in the WHO is essential for effective public health strategies.

“The recent announcement to withdraw the United States from the WHO will limit our ability to collaborate and coordinate on public health issues that impact individuals and their families here and around the globe,” the groups stated in a joint statement.

“Remaining part of the WHO is one way we can ensure our nation’s success in achieving this goal for all the patients we care for.”

They further warned that withdrawing from the WHO would weaken the U.S.’s ability to predict and respond to major public health emergencies, as it would reduce access to a global network of health professionals and critical information.

The American Nurses Association (ANA) also voiced serious concerns about the executive order, acknowledging that the withdrawal would have long-term negative effects on healthcare efforts worldwide.

However, the ANA stated that it is currently focusing on addressing another executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the federal government, which has immediate consequences for nurses.

“The [executive order] related to DEI is having immediate effect within the federal government and directly on nurses working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion,” the ANA explained.

“Our first order of business is to address the most immediate challenges first while not taking our eyes off the other actions and activities critical to nurses.”

Similarly, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) expressed disappointment with the U.S.’s move to leave the WHO.

APIC emphasized that infectious disease prevention and pandemic preparedness should not be subject to political disagreements or global divisions.

“The WHO has long been a champion in leading efforts to drive infection prevention and control measures globally and a lynchpin in pandemic preparedness and response,” APIC said.

“The withdrawal will impact global health security, and the lack of a coordinated effort puts all nations at risk and weakens our combined efforts to combat infections.”