Contact:
Sara Viglione
Center for Global Development
[email protected]
In response to the Trump administration’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Pete Baker, Policy Fellow and Deputy Director of Global Health Policy at the Center for Global Development, comments:
“The decision by the Trump administration to withdraw from WHO is highly regrettable. It undermines global health security and risks progress on critical issues like pandemic preparedness and antimicrobial resistance.
“However, it is worth putting the US withdrawal into perspective. The US contributes about 15% percent of WHO's budget—roughly $600 million a year. The US is also highly restrictive on how WHO can use its money. If other member states or philanthropists step up and provide more flexible funding—even if it’s less than the US provides—this could help WHO be more agile and focused in delivering its mandate.
“The accompanying withdrawal of US support from the Pandemic Agreement negotiations is the bigger threat. The political support of the US for the global health security architecture is irreplaceable. If this continues, it will seriously hamper the world’s efforts to ensure preparedness for future health threats.”
ENDS
