Medicine and Science from The BMJ Can a deal be done to keep the US in the WHO?
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Jan 24, 2025 Larry Gostin, a Georgetown University Professor of Global Health and director of the WHO Collaborating Center on National and Global Health Law, tackles the implications of the U.S. executive order to withdraw from the WHO. He argues that congressional approval is necessary for the withdrawal, not just an executive order. The discussion covers the WHO’s funding challenges, its relationship with China, and the benefits of U.S. involvement, emphasizing the critical need for reforms and international cooperation in managing global health crises.
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China and WHO
- Trump claims China influences WHO, but the US has historically held more sway.
- US withdrawal would cede leadership to China, ironically fulfilling Trump's concern.
WHO Funding
- Don't reduce US funding to WHO; it's a small part of the US budget.
- Encourage other nations, especially China, to increase their contributions.
US Benefits from WHO
- US benefits from WHO's global health initiatives, like polio eradication.
- These efforts contribute to global herd immunity, protecting even unvaccinated US children.