International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

The US Withdrawal From the WHO: A View From Latin America and the Caribbean on Multilateral Fragility, Reciprocal Benefit, and Regional Resilience; Comment on “The U.S. Withdrawal From the World Health Organization: Implications and Challenges”

Document Type : Commentary

Author
Esteban Ortiz-Prado
One Health Research Group, Universidad de Las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
10.34172/ijhpm.10048
Abstract
The 2025–2026 withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) represents one of the most consequential disruptions to global health governance in the postwar era. In the Americas, its effects are already visible: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is facing delays and funding cuts; the Region lost its measles-free status in November 2025; and President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-supported HIV services have been reduced in Central America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the United States also benefits from multilateral cooperation through disease surveillance, vaccine strain selection, and the early detection of threats. Recent outbreaks outside the region demonstrate that weaknesses in international surveillance can become risks within its own borders. Therefore, we propose reforming WHO governance, diversifying its funding, strengthening regional institutions, and establishing clear frameworks for private-sector participation in global health.
Keywords
World Health Organization
United States
Global Health Governance
Latin America and the Caribbean
Health Equity
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management
Volume 15, Issue 1
2026
Pages 1-5

  • Received Date 03 June 2026
  • Revised Date 26 August 2026
  • Accepted Date 07 September 2026
  • First Published Date 20 September 2026
  • Published Date 01 December 2026