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U.S. Focuses on Bilateral global Health Efforts After WHO Withdrawal
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The U.S. government has outlined a strategy prioritizing bilateral engagements and health innovation to protect public health and respond to infectious disease outbreaks, following its withdrawal from the World Health Association (WHO).This approach emphasizes a “America First” policy while still aiming to deliver benefits to global partners.
U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)
The United States formally withdrew from the WHO on July 6, 2023, under the Trump administration, citing concerns over the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship with China. The State Department announced the withdrawal in 2020,initiating a one-year process as stipulated by WHO rules.
Detail: The decision to withdraw stemmed from allegations that the WHO was too deferential to China, particularly regarding the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan. The U.S. government also criticized the WHO’s alleged promotion of misinformation and its lack of independence. The withdrawal resulted in the suspension of U.S.funding to the WHO, considerably impacting the organization’s budget and operations.
Example or Evidence: In May 2020, then-President Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw, stating, “We will be terminating our relationship with the World Health organization.” (White House Briefing, May 29, 2020). The U.S. contributed over $400 million to the WHO in 2019, representing approximately 15% of its total funding. WHO Funding Data
Current U.S. Global Health Strategy
The current U.S. global health strategy, as of January 23, 2026, focuses on direct engagement with countries, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and faith-based entities. The department of Health and Human Services (HHS) detailed this strategy in january 2024.
Detail: this strategy prioritizes three key areas: emergency response, biosecurity coordination, and health innovation. Emergency response efforts aim to rapidly address outbreaks and health crises, while biosecurity coordination focuses on preventing and mitigating biological threats. Health innovation seeks to develop new tools and technologies to improve global health outcomes.
Example or evidence: The U.S. government has committed to strengthening global health security through initiatives like the Pandemic Preparedness and Response Program, which provides funding and technical assistance to countries to improve their capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease outbreaks.(U.S. Department of State – Pandemic Preparedness and Response). In 2023, the U.S.pledged $1 billion to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. (Global Fund Press Release, September 2023)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): https://www.hhs.gov/
- U.S. Department of State: https://www.state.gov/
- World Health Organization (WHO):
