from Your News:
U.S. public health officials have been ordered to halt all collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), a directive that surprised experts and could disrupt global health initiatives.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been instructed to immediately cease all collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant and abrupt policy shift. In a memo sent Sunday night by CDC official John Nkengasong, all agency staff were directed to suspend their involvement with WHO projects and await further instructions, the Associated Press reported.
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The memo, obtained by the Associated Press, applies to a range of interactions, including participation in technical working groups, advisory boards, cooperative agreements, and in-person or virtual meetings. CDC personnel are also prohibited from visiting WHO offices.
This directive follows President Donald Trump’s recent executive order initiating the process for the U.S. to withdraw from the WHO. While the withdrawal requires Congressional approval, a one-year notice, and fulfillment of financial obligations, the immediate cessation of CDC collaboration has taken experts by surprise.
Disrupting Global Health Efforts
Public health experts expressed concern about the implications of this sudden halt. Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, a public health expert at the University of Southern California, described the move as “a big problem” that disrupts crucial lines of communication.
“People thought there would be a slow withdrawal. This has really caught everyone with their pants down,” Klausner said, noting that collaboration with WHO provides critical information on emerging outbreaks, new treatments, and tests. He added that the cessation could hinder efforts to monitor and combat diseases like Marburg virus, mpox, and bird flu, which are currently of global concern.
“Talking to WHO is a two-way street,” Klausner emphasized. “The information exchange helps protect Americans at home and abroad.”
Trump’s Criticism of WHO
President Trump has repeatedly criticized the WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the organization of providing flawed guidance and yielding to political pressures. He has also argued that the U.S. contributes disproportionately to WHO’s funding compared to other nations.
A U.S. health official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the halt in collaboration but did not elaborate on the reasons behind the timing of the directive. A WHO spokesperson redirected inquiries to U.S. officials, while the Department of Health and Human Services has yet to comment.
Broader Implications
In addition to halting work with the WHO, the Trump administration has reportedly instructed federal health agencies to minimize public communication through the end of the month. This measure has raised further concerns about transparency and coordination during critical health crises.
