AMSA’s Response to President Trump’s Executive Order on the United States’ Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) strongly opposes the executive order of President Trump’s administration to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO plays an indispensable role in global health security, disease surveillance, and pandemic preparedness. Its efforts have been critical in coordinating international responses to health crises, ensuring equitable access to lifesaving treatments, and establishing frameworks for addressing health disparities worldwide 

As future physicians committed to advancing public health and improving health outcomes—both domestically and globally—we believe this withdrawal poses significant risks to the health and well-being of people in the United States and beyond. This decision undermines decades of collaborative work in combating infectious diseases such as polio, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS and weakens the global capacity to respond to emerging threats like COVID-19 and future pandemics. Moreover, it isolates the United States from a key global health body, diminishing its ability to influence international health policies and initiatives that directly affect the safety and security of its population.

Possible Impact on Public Health

The WHO provides essential support to the United States through:

• Pandemic Preparedness and Response: WHO’s early warning systems and coordinated efforts have been vital in managing public health emergencies such as COVID-19, Monkeypox, and Ebola. The U.S. relies on WHO’s Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS) to track emerging flu strains, supporting vaccine development and preparedness.
• Global Disease Surveillance: WHO-led networks provide critical data on emerging health threats, aiding U.S. efforts to prevent and respond to diseases like Zika, SARS, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). WHO’s initiatives help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Evidence-Based Guidelines: WHO develops science-driven recommendations for disease prevention, treatment protocols, and health system improvements that inform U.S. health policies.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Mitigation: WHO leads global efforts to combat AMR by providing frameworks and surveillance data that support U.S. strategies to contain resistant infections.
• Vaccine Distribution: WHO initiatives such as COVAX facilitate equitable vaccine access, helping prevent the spread of infectious diseases to the U.S.

The decision to withdraw from the WHO threatens to disrupt these critical functions, weakening the U.S. ability to respond to global health emergencies and potentially increasing healthcare costs due to the loss of shared resources and expertise. By severing ties with the WHO, the United States risks losing access to invaluable data, technical guidance, and coordinated international efforts that are essential in mitigating the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, this withdrawal could strain relationships with global partners, making it more challenging to collaborate on future health initiatives and compounding the financial and logistical burden on the U.S. healthcare system.

The withdrawal from WHO threatens to undermine these vital efforts and may create a leadership vacuum in global health governance, increasing the risk of delayed responses to international health emergencies that can directly impact American lives. Without the leadership and support of the United States, the WHO may struggle to mobilize the resources and expertise necessary to address pressing global health challenges. This absence of U.S. participation also sends a concerning message to the international community about the nation’s commitment to collective health security and solidarity during times of crisis.

Call to Action 

AMSA urges policymakers to reconsider this decision and advocate for continued U.S. engagement with the WHO. We believe that robust international cooperation and investment in global health initiatives are fundamental to protecting public health and achieving health equity. Reversing this decision would reaffirm the United States’ role as a global leader in health and strengthen the partnerships necessary to address pressing challenges, from pandemic preparedness to non-communicable disease management. In the face of global health challenges, unity and collaboration remain our strongest tools. 

AMSA stands ready to work with stakeholders to ensure that the U.S. remains an active and committed participant in global health efforts. We encourage policymakers to prioritize diplomacy and evidence-based decision-making in shaping the nation’s global health strategy, recognizing that these efforts directly contribute to the well-being and security of American communities. The American Medical Student Association (AMSA) is committed to advocating for policies that promote health equity, and global health partnerships. We remain dedicated to ensuring that public health remains a national and international priority. Through continued engagement with global health organizations, we can build a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Resources & References

To inform and support advocacy efforts, AMSA members may review the following resources:

1. WHO comments on United States’ announcement of intent to withdraw
2. WHO’s Role in Global Health: Details the organization’s functions and the significance of member contributions
3. The Global Role of the World Health Organization – PMC
4. Early Warning, Alert and Response System (EWARS)
5. Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS)
6. Surveillance in emergencies
7. WHO Guidelines
8. COVAX & Vaccine equity