WHO Expresses ‘Regret’ Over Trump's Decision to Withdraw US from the Organization
By Edward Francis Dalliah
The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the body following his return to office on 20th January 2025.
The organisation stated that the United States was a founding member of the WHO and “has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.”
Founded in 1948, the WHO is the United Nations agency responsible for connecting nations, partners, and people to promote health, safeguard the world, and serve the vulnerable to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can achieve the highest attainable level of health.
The organisation noted that for over seven decades, they have collaborated with the USA and “have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.”
“Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefitted from membership in WHO,” their statement reads.
During his first term as U.S. President, Trump attempted to withdraw from the agency shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020, accusing the WHO of not acting swiftly enough to address the crisis, among other criticisms. However, his attempt was halted when he was unseated by former President Joe Biden. With his return to the White House on 20th January 2025, Trump revived the withdrawal decision through a presidential order.
In its statement, the WHO reminded the U.S. of its significant contributions to the organisation since its founding and expressed hope that it would “reconsider” its position. The agency also emphasised its desire “to engage in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”
According to a report by Statista, the United States is “the largest contributor to the WHO.” The report highlighted that “according to the latest figures published by the organisation, the U.S. donated $1.28 billion to the WHO’s budget for the 2022-2023 biennium, including $218 million in assessed contributions, $1.02 billion in voluntary contributions, and $47 million in contributions to a contingency fund for emergencies.”
