Withdrawing The United States From The World Health Organization

January 20, 2025

Presidential Actions

View Original

Action Summary

Purpose: Withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to reform, political influences, and disproportionate financial demands compared to other nations.
Revocation of Previous Actions:
- The notification of withdrawal submitted on July 6, 2020, is revoked via action on January 20, 2021.
- Executive Order 13987 (January 25, 2021) is revoked.
New Coordinative Measures:
- The Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs will establish new directorates and coordination mechanisms within the National Security Council to safeguard public health and biosecurity.
- The Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget will:
  - Pause future transfers of U.S. Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO.
  - Recall and reassign U.S. personnel or contractors working with the WHO.
  - Identify alternative U.S. and international partners for WHO activities.
- The Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy will review, rescind, and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy.
International Notifications: The Secretary of State is instructed to immediately notify the UN Secretary-General, relevant depositaries, and WHO leadership regarding the withdrawal.
Global Negotiations:
- All negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations will be ceased, with any enacted actions rendered non-binding on the U.S.
General Provisions:
- Does not impair existing lawful authority of federal agencies.
- Implementation is subject to applicable law and funding appropriations.
- No enforceable rights are created for any party against the United States.

Risks & Considerations

The withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) could lead to a significant gap in global health leadership and coordination, potentially affecting international health initiatives and collaborations.
This decision may impact the ability of U.S. institutions, including Vanderbilt University, to engage in global health research and partnerships that rely on WHO frameworks and support.
The cessation of U.S. funding and support to the WHO could result in reduced resources for global health programs, which may affect research funding opportunities and collaborations for Vanderbilt’s health-related programs.
There is a risk of increased isolation in global health matters, which could hinder the university’s ability to participate in international health policy discussions and initiatives.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt University Medical Center may face challenges in maintaining international collaborations and research projects that previously involved WHO partnerships or relied on WHO data and guidelines.
The School of Nursing and other health-related departments might need to adjust their curricula and research focus to align with new U.S. health policies and strategies that emerge in the absence of WHO involvement.
Global Health Institute at Vanderbilt could experience shifts in its strategic priorities and funding sources, necessitating new partnerships and collaborations outside of the WHO framework.

Financial Impact

The withdrawal from the WHO may lead to a reallocation of federal health funding, potentially affecting grants and financial support for global health research and initiatives at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt University might need to seek alternative funding sources for international health projects, which could impact the scope and scale of its research activities.
There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to engage with new international partners and organizations that fill the void left by the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, potentially opening new avenues for funding and collaboration.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents a need for potential major changes or transformations of programs.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt University Medical Center should assess the potential impacts of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO on international health collaborations and research funding. This includes identifying alternative international partners and funding sources to continue global health initiatives.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor changes in U.S. global health policy and engage with policymakers to advocate for continued support of international health research and collaboration, ensuring that Vanderbilt remains a leader in global health initiatives.
Vanderbilt’s School of Medicine should explore opportunities to contribute to the development of a new U.S. Global Health Security Strategy, leveraging its expertise in infectious diseases and public health to influence national policy.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the geopolitical implications of the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, providing insights into how this decision may affect international relations and global health governance.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Global Health Institute to expand its role in shaping U.S. global health policy by providing expert analysis and recommendations on alternative strategies for international health engagement.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the need for new international health partnerships by establishing collaborations with other leading global health organizations and universities, enhancing its research capabilities and global reach.
The focus on biosecurity and public health presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Center for Health Policy to engage in policy development and advocacy, influencing the direction of U.S. biosecurity measures and public health preparedness.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order necessitates major process changes for Vanderbilt’s global health programs and partnerships due to the withdrawal from the WHO.)

Average Relevance Score: 4

Timeline for Implementation

Immediate: The Secretary of State must immediately notify the Secretary-General of the United Nations and other relevant parties regarding the withdrawal (Section 3).
With all practicable speed: The Secretary of State and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget are directed to pause future funding, recall personnel, and coordinate with partners (Section 2(d)).
As soon as practicable: The Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy is tasked to review, rescind, and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy (Section 2(e)).

Relevance Score: 5

Impacted Government Organizations

World Health Organization (WHO): Although an international organization, it is directly affected by this executive order as the United States formally ends its participation, funding, and engagement with the WHO.
National Security Council (via the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs): Tasked with establishing new directorates and coordinating mechanisms to reinforce public health and biosecurity measures.
Department of State: Directed to take immediate steps to pause funding, reassign personnel, and cease negotiations related to WHO agreements.
Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Mandated to collaborate with the Department of State in reallocating resources and ensuring proper administrative actions in light of the withdrawal.
White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy: Instructed to review, rescind, and replace the current U.S. Global Health Security Strategy to align with the new policy direction.

Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of key federal agencies are impacted by this order.)

Responsible Officials

Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs – Tasked with establishing directorates and coordinating mechanisms within the National Security Council apparatus to safeguard public health and fortify biosecurity.
Secretary of State – Responsible for pausing future transfers of U.S. Government funds to the WHO, reassigning U.S. personnel working with the WHO, notifying WHO leadership of the withdrawal, and ceasing negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and International Health Regulations amendments.
Director of the Office of Management and Budget – Charged with taking appropriate measures to support the pause in funding and reassign personnel previously affiliated with the WHO.
Director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy – Assigned to review, rescind, and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy as soon as practicable.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect high-level officials including Cabinet members and key White House appointees.)