In a significant move, employees of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been instructed to immediately cease all collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO). The directive, issued by CDC official John Nkengasong on Sunday night, affects all staff involved in any form of engagement with the WHO, including technical working groups, advisory boards, cooperative agreements, and both in-person and virtual interactions.
The memo, obtained by the Associated Press, further prohibits CDC employees from visiting WHO offices and working on joint initiatives, signaling a clear break in the longstanding partnership between the two organizations. The decision follows a broader policy shift tied to the US’s withdrawal from the WHO, a move initiated by President Donald Trump.
Trump’s administration has been critical of the WHO’s handling of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic. In a series of executive orders signed shortly after his inauguration, Trump argued that the WHO had been unduly influenced by member states, particularly in relation to its response to the pandemic, which originated in Wuhan, China. He also claimed that the organization had failed to enact necessary reforms and maintain the independence needed to properly address global health challenges.
“Due to the inappropriate political influence of member states and the WHO’s mishandling of the COVID-19 crisis, the US has decided to withdraw,” the executive order stated.
In response, the WHO has expressed disappointment but called for dialogue, stressing the importance of its relationship with the US in addressing global health challenges. The WHO emphasized that the United States has played a pivotal role in global health initiatives, including disease prevention, emergency response, and the strengthening of health systems.
The organization has also pointed to the ongoing reforms within the WHO, which have been supported by US involvement, and urged the US to reconsider its decision. “We hope the United States will reconsider, and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO for the benefit of global health and well-being,” the WHO said in a statement.
As the global health community braces for the impact of the US withdrawal, many are concerned about the potential disruptions to health initiatives worldwide, especially as the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The future of US-WHO collaboration remains uncertain, but the need for cooperation in tackling global health crises is more critical than ever.
