US Exit from WHO: Reshaping International Health Governance

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Recently, the United States and Argentina decided to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing profound differences with the agency. While this raises concerns about global health governance, it also offers an opportunity to reshape health leadership, reduce reliance on high-income nations, and strengthen the role of the Global South in creating more inclusive health policies.

Learn in detail about the World Health Organisation (WHO)

Reasons for US Exit from WHO

Mishandling of COVID-19 Pandemic: WHO’s delayed response and alleged failure to hold China accountable.
Perceived Political Bias: Accusations of WHO favoring certain member states.
Financial Burden: US contributed nearly $1.3 billion in voluntary funding (2022-2023), a significantly higher amount than other nations.
Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: Concerns over slow decision-making and lack of reforms.

Impact of US Exit

On WHO

Funding Shortfall: The US provides nearly 20% of WHO’s budget, affecting global health programs.
Disruptions in Health Initiatives: Programs like immunization, polio eradication, and pandemic preparedness may suffer.
Reduced Technical Expertise: Loss of the US collaborations, including those with the CDC.
Challenges in Reform Implementation: Reduced influence may slow down institutional reforms.

On Global Health Landscape

Financial Gap: Developing nations reliant on WHO funding may face difficulties.
Geopolitical Shifts: China and other emerging economies could gain greater influence.
Potential Fragmentation: Alternative alliances or funding mechanisms may emerge outside WHO.

On the US

Limited Access to Global Health Data: Loss of real-time updates on pandemics and emerging diseases.
Vaccine Preparedness Issues: Challenges in accessing virus strain samples critical for vaccine development.
Reduced Global Influence: Diminished role in shaping international health policies.

The Funding Challenge in WHO

Assessed Contributions (AC): A mandatory annual fee member states pay, ensuring stable funding for WHO’s core operations. The U.S. cited an unfair financial burden as a reason for its exit.
Voluntary Contributions (VC): Donations from countries, agencies, and private entities for specific projects. These funds are unpredictable and non-transferable, leading to financial instability.

Key Challenges in Global Health Governance

Over-Reliance on Few Donors: Over 80% of WHO’s budget comes from voluntary contributions, mostly from high-income nations and private entities, making global health initiatives financially unstable (WHO Programme Budget 2022-2023).
Global Health Inequities: Diseases affecting low-income nations receive only 1% of global health R&D funding, leading to disparities in vaccine access and medical innovation (Global Health 50/50 Report-23).
Weak Pandemic Preparedness: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in coordinated response mechanisms, with fragmented policies delaying action & vaccine distribution (Lancet Commission on COV-19).
Geopolitical Influence on WHO: Nations with greater financial contributions exert a disproportionate influence on health policies, sidelining the priorities of developing countries (BMJ Global Health, 2023).
Bureaucratic Inefficiencies: WHO’s 6 regional offices and multiple layers of governance slow emergency responses, impacting global crisis management (WHO Evaluation Report, 2021).

Opportunities for the Global South

Increased Role in Global Health Governance: Countries like India, Brazil, and South Africa can step up contributions. Platforms like BRICS can supplement WHO funding and expertise.
Investment in Public Health Expertise: Training professionals in global health to reduce reliance on Western experts.
Decentralizing WHO’s Structure: Relocating WHO headquarters to Asia or Africa for better resource allocation.

Way Forward

Diversify Funding: Encourage contributions from emerging economies and the private sector to reduce reliance on a few high-income nations.
Address Health Inequalities: Prioritise R&D for diseases affecting low-income nations and ensure equitable resource distribution.
Strengthen Regional Alliances: Collaborate with regional organisations like BRICS and the African Union to enhance localized health responses.
Reform Pandemic Preparedness: Streamline WHO’s emergency response and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies for faster action.
Promote Inclusive Decision-Making: Ensure that developing countries have a stronger voice in shaping WHO policies.

The exits of the U.S. and Argentina highlight weaknesses in WHO’s structure. However, this moment presents an opportunity to build a more inclusive and resilient global health framework by diversifying funding, enhancing cooperation, and empowering the Global South.

Reference: The Hindu

UPSC Mains PYQs – Theme – World Health Organisation (WHO)

Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the COVID-19 pandemic. (2020)

PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 71

Q. In light of the recent withdrawals from the World Health Organization (WHO), discuss the potential rise of regional health alliances and their impact on global health security. (250 Words) (15 Marks)

Approach

Introduction: Write a brief introduction about the withdrawal of these nations from the WHO.
Body: Discuss the potential rise of the regional health alliances and the impacts on global health security.
Conclusion: Write a way forward and a conclusion highlighting the relevance of regional health alliances.