U.S. public health officials have been directed to halt collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), a move stemming from President Donald Trump’s executive order to withdraw the United States from the organization. The directive, issued by a senior Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) official, is already impacting global health efforts, particularly in addressing outbreaks of diseases like Marburg virus and mpox in Africa.
The WHO has been a key partner in global health, providing critical information on emerging diseases, treatments, and diagnostic methods. With communication now paused, public health agencies are expected to face challenges in addressing new outbreaks and threats.
The withdrawal process, initiated by President Trump’s executive order, still requires congressional approval and the resolution of financial obligations before it is finalized. Despite these hurdles, U.S. public health officials have already been instructed to comply with the directive, catching many by surprise.
This decision aligns with President Trump’s broader reevaluation of U.S. participation in international organizations, signaling a shift in how the country engages in global health initiatives. Efforts to address brewing global health threats now face uncertainty as the U.S. recalibrates its role on the international stage.
The order also raises logistical questions about how ongoing investigations and responses to global outbreaks will proceed without WHO collaboration. While the full impact of the decision remains to be seen, U.S. agencies will now work to adjust their strategies in the absence of the organization’s resources and network.