US Withdrawal from WHO Raises Global Health Concerns

The U.S. decision to exit the World Health Organization (WHO) poses significant challenges to global health efforts, as the country was set to be the largest contributor, potentially affecting WHO's budget and operations. Public health officials have been instructed to cease collaboration with WHO, raising concerns about the impact on ongoing health threats, including outbreaks in Africa and monitoring of diseases in the U.S. Experts warn that this withdrawal could cede influence to other countries, notably China, in shaping global health policies. Health Minister J P Nadda of India reassured that India's health programs in partnership with WHO would remain unaffected, emphasizing the country's commitment to self-sufficiency in health initiatives. The U.S. exit has been criticized for its potential to undermine international health cooperation and leadership. The WHO, predominantly funded by voluntary contributions, now faces a funding void that could disrupt its health priorities worldwide.