The United States is set to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), following an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump. The decision, expected to take effect in January 2026, could have profound implications for global health, with experts warning of potential rises in infectious diseases worldwide. As the largest financial contributor, the U.S. currently provides 18% of the WHO's funding, amounting to approximately $1.2 billion for the 2024-25 budget. This move not only threatens the effectiveness of global health responses but also poses significant risks to both American and Canadian health security.
Dr. Peter Singer, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, cautions that the withdrawal will negatively impact American health. He stresses the importance of collaboration between the U.S. and WHO, suggesting that "the best outcome is if the WHO and the U.S. could sit down together, engage, listen to each other's concerns, and both come out strong." Moreover, with an estimated 400,000 daily crossings at the Canada-U.S. border, Canadians could face heightened infectious disease threats due to this decision.
The withdrawal comes at a time when scientific cooperation is crucial for tackling global health challenges. The WHO collaborates with member states to detect and manage public health threats, including pandemics and routine diseases. Dr. Prabhat Jha warns that pulling out could jeopardize this cooperation, potentially leading to a "blind spot in the global response to infectious diseases." The WHO's network of 80 labs worldwide plays a vital role in sharing information on viruses and assisting in flu shot design. Dr. Jha highlights that "the flu shot is a product of a WHO network of 80 labs around the world… And that is actually really under threat."
The ramifications extend beyond health risks to geopolitical dynamics. Dr. Jha points out that "other countries, in a future pandemic, may actually respond to the U.S. withdrawal by saying, 'Well, we won't share this information with the U.S.'" Such withholding of information could spill over into Canadian threats, affecting not only North America but global health security as well.
Bird flu (H5N1) serves as a stark reminder of potential dangers. A peer-reviewed study published in Science indicates that it could be just one mutation away from becoming more transmissible among humans. In such scenarios, a cohesive international response is imperative.
The mood among health experts reflects deep concern and uncertainty. Dr. Madhukar Pai notes, "The mood here is pretty sombre and quite gloomy," emphasizing the interconnectedness of global health systems. He adds, "If the U.S. is going to suffer in the future, we will suffer along with the U.S." His remarks underline the shared vulnerability faced by neighboring countries.
Yet, amid these challenges lies an opportunity for Canada to step up on the global stage. Devon Greyson suggests that Canada can fill the leadership void left by the U.S., stating, "What we can do here is make sure that our systems are stable, that we have structures that will keep things funded, that will keep things running." Dr. Pai echoes this sentiment: "I think this is actually a terrific opportunity for Canada to show leadership at a global level."
Dr. Singer adds that this situation signals to governments worldwide the need to bolster their public health responses and prepare for a potentially weakened WHO. In his view, it's crucial for countries like Canada to take proactive steps in enhancing their health systems and ensuring they are well-equipped to handle future crises.
The potential loss of a free flow of information due to the U.S. withdrawal is another critical issue raised by Greyson. Information exchange is essential for effective global health measures, and any disruption could hinder efforts to combat diseases.
