1A America's Relationship With The World Health Organization
Jan 29, 2025
Lawrence Gostin, a global health law expert, joins Apoorva Mundavilli, a science reporter, and Ashish Jha, a public health dean, to discuss America's complex relationship with the World Health Organization. They delve into the implications of the U.S. potentially withdrawing from the WHO and the impact on global health responses, particularly during pandemics. The conversation highlights the organization's crucial role in disease prevention and the importance of funding, alongside scrutiny of its pandemic response and accountability for the future of international health.
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WHO's Mission and Origin
- The World Health Organization (WHO) was created after World War II with the U.S. as a key founder.
- Its broad mandate includes disease prevention, health system strengthening, and addressing various health issues globally.
WHO's Relevance to the U.S.
- The WHO's work impacts the U.S. through diagnostic codes (ICD), drug names, and tracking global health threats like antibiotic resistance.
- This global interconnectedness makes WHO's data crucial for U.S. health security.
Trump's Funding Claims
- Trump claimed the U.S. paid $500 million to WHO while China paid $39 million, deeming it unfair.
- Mandavilli clarifies the U.S. pays more but explains the funding mechanisms, showing Trump's figures are inaccurate.