America’s federal health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been ordered to suspend its work with the World Health Organization (WHO). Experts warn the move could disrupt collaborations on global virus outbreaks, including the recent bird flu.
In a memo to staff reviewed by the Washington Post, the CDC’s deputy director instructed personnel to await further guidance regarding their interactions with WHO. The memo stated work must cease “through technical working groups, coordinating centers, advisory boards and cooperative agreements,” both in person and virtually.
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Trump signs executive order to withdraw from WHO
Last week, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to officially withdraw the United States from WHO. The order cites WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its failure to avoid political influence as part of the reason for the decision.
Under the terms of the order, the U.S. must notify WHO one year before the withdrawal takes effect. However, the decision is not yet final –– Congress must approve the move, and the U.S. must fulfill any outstanding financial obligations before its departure.
U.S. and WHO’s long-standing partnership
The United States has been a member of WHO since its founding in 1948. The international agency was designed to coordinate responses to global health emergencies and promote universal health coverage for billions of people worldwide. Over the decades, the U.S. has helped fund WHO’s health efforts and initiatives, supporting global public health programs.
Impact on the CDC
The decision to withdraw from WHO would also affect the CDC. Without access to WHO’s global virus data and genetic databases, the CDC could struggle to maintain current vaccines and respond to public health threats.
The CDC and WHO operate 71 health centers across the U.S., where staff work collaboratively on health issues ranging from disease prevention to emergency responses.
