Summary and Analysis of the U.S. Executive Order to Withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO)

1. Background and Purpose

• The United States first announced its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2020, and this executive order reactivates that decision.
• Key reasons for withdrawal:
  1. WHO’s failure to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  2. Lack of necessary reforms.
  3. Lack of independence from political influence.
  4. The U.S. is required to make excessively high financial contributions compared to other nations.
  • Example: Although China’s population is three times that of the U.S., its financial contribution to the WHO is approximately 90% less than that of the U.S.

2. Course of Action (Actions)

• A number of implementation measures are presented, including the cessation of all U.S. activities and resource support related to the WHO.

a) Withdrawal Process

• Nullifying the decision to rejoin the WHO as of January 20, 2021.
• Restoring the withdrawal notice submitted to the WHO in 2020.

b) Revocation of Executive Order

• Repealing Executive Order 13987 of January 25, 2021 (Order on COVID-19 Response and Global Health Leadership).

c) Strengthening Health and Biosecurity

• Strengthening public health and biosecurity through the establishment of new organizations and coordination mechanisms within the U.S. National Security Council (NSC).

d) Funding and Personnel

• Cessation of all future resources and funding to the WHO, and relocation of relevant contractors and personnel to other agencies.
• Exploration of transparent global partners to replace the activities previously handled by the WHO.

e) Review of Global Health Security Strategy

• Review and replacement of the U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, developed in 2024.

3. Suspension of International Notices and Negotiations

• The U.S. Department of State shall immediately:
  • Notify the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the WHO of the withdrawal.
  • Withdraw from negotiations related to the WHO’s Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR).
• Specify that the outcomes of negotiations shall not be legally binding within the United States.

4. Legal and Administrative Limitations

• This order does not affect the legal authority of executive branch agencies.
• It is only executable to the extent permitted by U.S. law and budget availability.
• No legal rights are created for any individual or entity based on this executive order.

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Impact of U.S. Decision on the Global Community

1. Changes in Relationship with WHO

• This decision is likely to significantly damage the role and credibility of the WHO.
• The U.S. is a major contributor to the WHO budget, and the cessation of funding could have a severe impact on the WHO’s project operations.

2. Concerns about Weakened Global Health Response

• There are concerns that the U.S. withdrawal from WHO activities may lead to a leadership vacuum in the global health response.
• Difficulties are expected in data sharing and cooperation, especially in responding to global diseases like pandemics.

3. Exploration of Alternative Partners

• The U.S. needs to find new international partners and organizations to fill the void left by the WHO.
• There is a great need to quickly identify alternative organizations with credibility and transparency and rapidly establish them as infrastructure.

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Conclusion

This executive order signals a major shift in the relationship with the WHO and how global health cooperation is conducted, requiring the establishment of a differentiated health diplomacy strategy by the United States. However, adverse effects resulting from the reduced role in the international community and a weakened preparedness for public health crises are also anticipated, thus the U.S. must quickly strengthen its domestic health system and establish alternative routes for global solidarity.

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*Source URL:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/withdrawing-the-united-states-from-the-worldhealth-organization/