CDC Halts Ties with WHO Following Trump Order
In a move that has sparked concern among public health experts, staff at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been instructed to halt communication with the World Health Organization (WHO). This directive follows an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2021, which set the US on a course to withdraw from the international health organization.
The memo, which was shared with CDC leadership on Sunday, mandates that CDC employees cease all involvement with WHO’s technical working groups, advisory boards, and cooperative agreements, both in-person and virtual. The order, which also affects CDC staff stationed at WHO offices abroad, represents a significant shift in US participation in global health initiatives. This suspension of collaboration is seen as a serious setback for international efforts to combat emerging health crises.
As one of the largest contributors to the WHO, the US plays a key role in the organization’s operations, providing essential resources and expertise. The decision to withdraw, according to the executive order, is based on a legal notice issued during Trump’s first term in 2020, effectively expediting the US exit. While federal law stipulates a one-year notice period before withdrawing support, the executive order claims that this requirement has already been fulfilled.
The abrupt cessation of communication has raised alarms among health professionals, especially with the ongoing threat of global disease outbreaks. Dr. Lawrence Gostin, a global health expert at Georgetown University, criticized the move, describing it as “reckless” and warning that it would leave the US vulnerable in the face of emerging health threats. With outbreaks of the Marburg virus and H5N1 bird flu spreading across animal populations, he emphasized the need for international collaboration to detect and control infectious diseases before they reach humans.
Dr. Gostin further highlighted the risks of losing access to WHO’s early warning system, which relies on CDC personnel stationed at international offices in over 60 countries. These offices play a crucial role in providing early alerts about potential public health threats, allowing for quicker response and containment efforts.
The suspension of CDC’s cooperation with WHO is also seen as a potentially flawed negotiation tactic. While President Trump may be seeking to renegotiate the terms of the US’s relationship with the WHO, experts argue that disengaging from the global health fight is not the right approach. “Viruses don’t take a break,” said Dr. Gostin. “If you want to figure out your future relationship with WHO, you stay in the fight until you’ve figured it out, then you make your move.”
This decision has far-reaching implications, as it could hinder efforts to contain global health threats and undermine the US’s ability to lead in international health diplomacy. As the world faces increasingly complex health challenges, the importance of collaboration and coordination among nations and organizations has never been clearer. The cessation of CDC’s work with WHO may ultimately endanger both US and global health security.
