The World Health Organization (WHO), established in the aftermath of World War II, stands as a testament to global cooperation in healthcare. Founded in 1948, WHO has been instrumental in protecting the world’s health, saving countless lives, and safeguarding populations from numerous health threats for over seventy years. The organization operates in more than 150 locations worldwide, spearheading efforts to expand universal health coverage and directing international responses to health emergencies. However, recent political developments have cast a shadow over its future, particularly concerning the United States’ involvement.
WHO's legacy includes notable achievements such as the eradication of smallpox, a landmark event that symbolized cooperation between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The organization has also been at the forefront of combatting disease outbreaks, including leading responses to the Ebola epidemic in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, which claimed at least 11,000 lives. WHO's crucial role in convincing China to release the genetic sequence of COVID-19 early in 2020 laid the groundwork for vaccine development in the US.
Despite its global impact, WHO has been subject to criticism and scrutiny, particularly from former US President Donald Trump. Trump's administration expressed concerns about WHO's operations and transparency, notably regarding China's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2020, WHO echoed some of these concerns, urging China to be more transparent to help the world understand how the pandemic began.
"You can’t fight a pandemic effectively without some kind of global table where countries around the world can meet and discuss and twist arms to release data," said Bernstein.
Furthermore, WHO's operational effects are often described as "diffuse" due to its extensive size, making it challenging to measure its impact precisely. The organization's ambitious targets, such as eradicating smallpox within a decade—a goal achieved in 1980—demonstrate its commitment to global health despite these challenges.
Financial contributions from member countries significantly support WHO's initiatives. The United States contributes approximately $500 million annually, accounting for about one-fifth of WHO's budget. In contrast, China contributes around $40 million per year, despite its larger population. This financial disparity has fueled debates regarding fairness and accountability within the organization.
Trump's administration criticized WHO's financial dynamics and threatened to withdraw the United States from the agency, arguing that the US was "being ripped off."
"I do, but not when you’re being ripped off like we are," stated Donald Trump.
He further described WHO as "nothing more than a corrupt globalist scam."
"Nothing more than a corrupt globalist scam," Trump asserted.
The potential US withdrawal raised concerns about global health initiatives. Experts warned that such a move could delay polio eradication efforts and hinder ongoing battles against tuberculosis and HIV. Lawrence Gostin emphasized the gravity of this decision.
"Could be sowing the seeds for the next pandemic," warned Lawrence Gostin.
WHO's constitution highlights "unequal development" in health systems across countries as a "common danger," underscoring the necessity for equitable global health strategies. The organization's mission is to "contribute to the harmony of human relations," a goal articulated by Thomas Parran during WHO's early days.
"Contribute to the harmony of human relations," remarked Thomas Parran.
The US withdrawal process from WHO requires a year for full implementation. This timeframe allowed President Joe Biden to halt the withdrawal initiated by his predecessor four years ago. The ongoing debate over US involvement in WHO underscores broader discussions about international cooperation and leadership in addressing health crises.
