International Journal of Health Policy and Management

International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Beyond Funding: What the United States’ Withdrawal From WHO Reveals About the Fragility of Global Health Solidarity; Comment on “The United States Withdrawal From the World Health Organization: Implications and Challenges”

Articles in Press

Document Type : Commentary

Authors
Stephen Olaide Aremu
Adamu Ishaku Akyala
Yakubu Boyi Ngwai
Donald Ibe Ofili
Onuche Noah John
Kimberly Idoko
Felix Okwudilichukwu Nwarienne
Dorcas Oluwakemi Aremu
Hannah Ojonogecha Ocheni
Victor Emmanuel
Ashiat Temitope Kasali
Zakari Isiaka Osheku
Global Health and Infectious Diseases Control Institute, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria
Abstract
The 2025 withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) has reignited global debates about the future of multilateralism, global health governance, and collective health security. Building on the editorial by Yazdi-Feyzabadi et al, this commentary argues that the implications of the withdrawal extend beyond financial losses and operational disruptions to reveal deeper structural vulnerabilities within the global health system. The decision reflects growing tensions between nationalism and international cooperation, challenging the principles that underpin effective responses to transnational health threats. While the withdrawal threatens WHO financing, pandemic preparedness, and health equity, it also exposes long-standing concerns regarding the organization’s dependence on a few major donors and the increasing influence of private philanthropy in global health decisionmaking. It concludes that strengthening WHO requires not only restoring political commitment and sustainable financing but also advancing reforms that enhance transparency, representation, and accountability.
Keywords
Global Health Governance
World Health Organization
Multilateralism
Health Security
Global Health Financing
Health Equity
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International Journal of Health Policy and Management

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 14 November 2026

  • Received Date 04 June 2026
  • Revised Date 25 October 2026
  • Accepted Date 28 October 2026
  • First Published Date 14 November 2026
  • Published Date 14 November 2026