Why should Canadians care about the U.S. pulling out of the World Health Organization?

The recent decision by the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) has sent shockwaves through the global health community. The move, which is set to take effect in January 2026, comes at a time when the world is facing multiple infectious disease threats, including the potential for a more transmissible form of bird flu and outbreaks of diseases like Marburg and mpox.

Dr. Madhukar Pai, who chairs the department of global and public health at McGill University, described the mood at WHO headquarters in Geneva as sombre and gloomy following the announcement. The U.S. is the largest financial supporter of the WHO, contributing 18% of its overall funding, which amounts to roughly $1.2 billion for the agency’s most recent two-year budget.

The decision to withdraw from the WHO could have far-reaching consequences, not just for Americans but for the entire world. Dr. Pai expressed concerns that weakening the WHO could be catastrophic, as infectious diseases do not respect borders and what happens in one part of the world can easily spread elsewhere.

The U.S. withdrawal from the WHO could also have implications for Canadians, as an estimated 400,000 people cross the Canada-U.S. border each day. Dr. Peter Singer, a former special adviser to the WHO director general, warned that the move could make both the U.S. and Canada less safe from pandemics, like the one the world is currently facing.

Dr. Prabhat Jha, a professor of global health at the University of Toronto, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in fighting pandemics and routine diseases. The annual flu shot, for example, is a product of collaboration between WHO labs around the world. The free flow of information between countries is crucial for preparing for and responding to public health threats.

While the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO is concerning, it also presents an opportunity for other countries, including Canada, to step up and fill the leadership gap. Dr. Pai and Dr. Singer both emphasized the need for strong public health responses at the national level to compensate for the potential loss of WHO resources and expertise.

In conclusion, the decision by the U.S. to withdraw from the WHO serves as a stark reminder of the importance of global cooperation in addressing public health challenges. It is now more important than ever for countries to work together to ensure the health and well-being of all people, regardless of borders.