US Announces Exit from World Health Organization Amid Criticisms of Pandemic Response

Washington D.C., Monday - In a move that has sent shockwaves around the globe, President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States will be exiting the World Health Organization (WHO), citing concerns over the global health agency's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.

The decision was among a slew of executive actions signed by the President in the Oval Office, although details of the order were not immediately available. "That's a big one," Trump said before signing the document, indicating the significance of the move.

As a key player in battling global health threats, the WHO focuses on infectious diseases as well as humanitarian crises and chronic health conditions such as cancer and heart disease. The US exit from the organization could leave it short of critical funding, with US contributions to the agency accounting for 19% of its total revenue during the 2024-25 budget cycle, amounting to $662 million.

The decision is seen as a significant departure for the United States on the global health stage, and raises questions about the implications of the move on public health policy and international cooperation.