PIH Statement on U.S. Withdrawal from WHO

Partners In Health (PIH) opposes the announcement of the Trump administration to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) in the strongest terms possible. The decision recklessly endangers lives around the world, including the millions of patients who rely on PIH for care. As a vital partner to governments around the world, WHO is instrumental in promoting and protecting the right to health for all people. Sustained funding for the WHO is critical for responding to health emergencies which have little regard for national borders. The WHO notes that $1.5 billion is urgently needed in 2025 to respond to 42 ongoing health emergencies around the world. Notably, withdrawing from the WHO leaves the door open to emerging pandemics, putting billions of people at risk whether they call the United States home or not. 

“U.S. cooperation with the WHO is foundational for advancing the right to health, addressing the burden of disease globally, and for preventing and responding to outbreaks. U.S. withdrawal will have devastating impacts on critical areas of the WHO’s general programme of work and erodes U.S. credibility in global public health,” said Cate Oswald, PIH’s Principal, Chief Program Officer.