U.S. exit from WHO threatens global pandemic readiness
Professor Robert Ostergard from the University of Nevada warns in an interview with the Polish Press Agency that President Donald Trump's announcement of the USA's withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) is dangerous for the Country and other countries. He believes this decision may weaken and delay the global response to the next pandemic.
President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) has sparked criticism. Experts warn that it may have negative consequences for the USA and the rest of the world. Professor Robert Ostergard from the University of Nevada emphasizes that this move could weaken and delay the global response to future pandemics.
Trump: "WHO is ripping us off"
With financial arguments, Trump justified his decision to pull the USA out of WHO. "The World Health Organization is ripping us off," announced the US President.
The United States is the largest sponsor of WHO, contributing over $1.2 billion to the organization's budget for 2022-2023. By comparison, Germany contributed $856 million, and China contributed just $156 million. Despite this, Professor Ostergard believes that investing in WHO is crucial, particularly for developing countries, which are often the source of many health crises.
Yes, the United States pays more, but this is because other poorer countries cannot contribute as much. The most important thing, however, is that maintaining membership in WHO is essential, especially for developing countries, because many global health crises will originate from these countries, as confirmed by Ebola, COVID-19, or bird flu, said the expert, quoted by the Polish Press Agency.
Experts talk about the threat to public health
Experts like Kavelle Christie warn that the USA's withdrawal from WHO may lead to isolation in key areas, such as vaccine distribution and early disease detection.
Christie emphasizes that "public health transcends borders," and the COVID-19 pandemic was a painful reminder of this. She notes the vast number of unknown viruses that could trigger another pandemic.
Impact on international cooperation
The USA's withdrawal from the WHO could have significant implications for collaborative efforts in combating AIDS and advancing vaccine and medication development. Christie pointed out that regulations for pharmaceutical products frequently depend on international data sharing and the global standards facilitated by the WHO. Without these alliances, the USA may face slower progress in innovation and a decline in its credibility on the worldwide stage.
The United States, as a founding member of WHO, has played a key role in the organization since 1948. Currently, the WHO comprises 194 countries, and Trump's decision could have far-reaching consequences for global public health. "It is not a matter of if it will happen; it is a matter of when it will happen," emphasizes Professor Ostergard, referring to potential future pandemics.
No one was surprised by Trump's decision (he signed the order just a few hours after being sworn in). The US President had long been critical of WHO, and his administration began the process of leaving the organization five years ago. Joe Biden, upon taking office, reversed Trump's decision at that time.
