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CDC ordered to end collaboration with WHO as US withdrawal looms

A US health official, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to discuss the matter, confirmed that communication with WHO had been halted.

WHO spokesperson declined to comment, referring all questions to US officials. (File Photo)

US President Donald Trump issued an executive order last week to start the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). However, this decision does not take effect immediately.

For the withdrawal to be completed, it requires Congress’s approval, the US meeting its financial obligations for the current fiscal year, and providing a one-year notice to WHO.

In addition, the Trump administration has instructed federal health agencies to significantly reduce public communications at least until the end of the month.

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Dr Jeffrey Klausner, a public health expert at the University of Southern California who works with WHO on sexually transmitted infections, expressed concern over the move.

“Stopping communications and meetings with WHO is a big problem,” he said. “People expected a gradual withdrawal, but this has caught everyone off guard”, reported The Guardian.

Dr Klausner emphasised the importance of the US-WHO collaboration, explaining that it is a two-way exchange of valuable information.

“The partnership helps the US learn about new tests, treatments, and emerging outbreaks, which can protect Americans both at home and abroad,” he added.

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A US health official, speaking anonymously as they were not authorised to discuss the matter, confirmed that communication with WHO had been halted. Meanwhile, a WHO spokesperson declined to comment, referring all questions to US officials.

(with inputs from The Guardian)

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