The world health community has been rocked by the Trump administration's decision to pull the US out of the World Health Organization (WHO), especially in the Global South, where many countries depend on WHO financing and knowledge to address public health issues.
The action calls into doubt both the ability of developing nations to continue vital health programmes and the viability of global health governance.
With over $958 million allocated in 2024 to support immunisation drives, disease eradication initiatives, and pandemic preparedness, the United States has long been one of WHO's biggest donors. A multibillion-dollar void could result from the abrupt removal of this financing, which could interfere with important health programmes in low- and middle-income countries.
Given the interconnected nature of global health, experts warn that reduced funding could slow responses to pandemics and infectious disease outbreaks, posing a risk to global stability.
A change of guard in global health?
Despite these challenges, it is plausible that the US departure will pave the way for other countries in the Global South to come up with their own strategies in addressing global health issues.
The G7 and G20, along with regional health organisations like the African CDC and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) could step up to fill the gap and maintain the continuity of global health efforts.
India, a major player in vaccine production, is in a good position to push for fair healthcare policies that are important for other developing nations. Moreover, countries may have to look for funding from other sources, including public-private partnerships and philanthropic organisations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is still the second biggest contributor to the WHO.
Some experts have suggested the creation of independent global health funds to sustain funding of important programmes.
Strengthening regional and local health systems
Nations that depend on the World Health Organization (WHO) have the opportunity to improve local healthcare systems and develop regional health governance. In order to address issues like antibiotic resistance, guarantee vaccination equity, and get ready for future pandemics, it will be crucial to include indigenous research and development into this effort. It is anticipated that the development of open-access platforms for cross-border data sharing will encourage international cooperation and innovation even more. Countries may more effectively share vital health data by utilizing these platforms, which will improve overall health outcomes and crisis response.
The road ahead
Although the US exit from the WHO brings many risks to global health security, it is also a critical turning point—whether emerging economies and multilateral partnerships can step up or if global health governance will erode. The coming months will be critical as policymakers, researchers, and international organisations navigate this shifting landscape to ensure a robust and resilient global health response.
The author is Adviser Health, DAKSHIN-Global South Centre for Excellence, Research & Information Systems. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
