A global health crisis in the making: the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization and its impact on global health equity.

Abstract

The USA initiated their year-long withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2025, citing financial and governance concerns. This could have a significant impact on global health, as the country is the WHO's largest financial contributor, providing USD 1.284 billion in 2022-23 and funding crucial initiatives like pandemic preparedness and health equity programmes. Its exit creates uncertainty for the organisation, potentially delaying responses to global health crises and exacerbating inequities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries reliant on US-supported health programmes. Vulnerable populations in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, for example, face challenges in addressing pandemics and diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis. The USA's move underscores the fragility of global health governance, raising concerns over the WHO's ability to lead on critical issues without its support. To mitigate these effects, the international community must adopt innovative, collaborative funding models to maintain the organisation's mission, emphasising global solidarity and political neutrality to ensure stability, health equity, and robust responses to future health threats.