In Focus by The Hindu WHO exit, USAID suspension: What the United States' moves mean for global health
Feb 24, 2025
Chandrakant Lahariya, a seasoned global health expert with significant experience at WHO and UNICEF, dives into the troubling U.S. withdrawal from the WHO and the ramifications for global health funding. He discusses the likely destabilization of health services in low-income countries. Lahariya also addresses the critical implications of the USAID suspension, affecting vital health programs like HIV/AIDS and vaccinations. He poses challenging questions about the world's reliance on U.S. contributions and the urgent need for other countries to step up.
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Impact of US Withdrawal from WHO
- The US withdrawal from WHO impacts global health beyond funding by affecting the institution's credibility and operational abilities.
- The US may establish alternative health support mechanisms, potentially hindering WHO's effectiveness.
WHO Funding Mechanisms
- WHO's funding is divided into assessed contributions (membership fees) and voluntary contributions (project-based donations).
- The US withdrawal primarily affects assessed contributions, impacting WHO's core operations and flexibility.
WHO's Role and Successes
- WHO primarily functions as a secretariat, implementing global health programs agreed upon by member states through the World Health Assembly.
- It sets norms and standards in healthcare for member states, a unique function among international health agencies.