North News
New Delhi, January 21
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the agency’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of reforms, and disproportionate US financial contributions. According to the executive order, Trump criticized the WHO’s dependence on political influence from member states, particularly China, and highlighted funding disparities. Despite having 300 percent of the US population, China contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO. The order directed the Secretary of State to pause all US funding to the WHO, recall personnel, and identify alternative international partners to handle health initiatives previously managed by the organisation. It also required a review of the 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy to be replaced with a new policy. During the withdrawal process, the US ceased negotiations on the WHO pandemic agreement and amendments to the international health regulations, ensuring these would have no binding effect on the country.
