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Blow to global health body
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Context
U.S. President Donald Trump mandated America’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged political bias towards China. This move could severely affect WHO’s financial health and its operational capacity, especially in countries like India where the organization plays a vital role in health programs.
Impact on WHO’s Operations
- Financial Impact: The U.S. contributes approximately 20% of WHO's budget. Its exit will leave a significant funding gap, limiting WHO’s ability to implement global health programs, particularly in low-income countries.
- Expertise Loss: The absence of U.S. involvement will also deprive WHO of critical expertise in health management, reducing its capacity to guide countries, including India, in handling emerging health crises.
- Impact on India: In India, WHO supports key health programs such as immunization, the fight against neglected tropical diseases, HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, and antimicrobial resistance. A funding cut would hinder these programs' effectiveness.
Political and Institutional Factors Behind U.S. Withdrawal
- Trump’s Criticism of WHO: Trump’s administration had long criticized WHO for mishandling the COVID-19 crisis, accusing it of being biased toward China and failing to implement necessary reforms.
- U.S. Contribution Concerns: The U.S. expressed dissatisfaction over its financial contribution to WHO, viewing it as disproportionate and unfair. This contributed to the decision to withdraw from the organization.
- Pandemic Treaty Negotiations: The U.S. withdrawal from WHO also includes ceasing negotiations for a pandemic treaty designed to improve global pandemic preparedness and vaccine-sharing mechanisms.
Global Health Dynamics and India’s Role
- Vacuum in Global Health Leadership: The U.S. exit could shift global health leadership, potentially allowing China and countries from the Global South, like India, to take a more prominent role in shaping global health policies.
- India’s Position: As a leading voice in the Global South, India could step into the gap left by the U.S., particularly in areas such as global health diplomacy and improving international health systems.
- India’s Increasing Health Leadership: India's increasing influence could result in greater collaboration with other nations on health matters, improving its global standing and leadership in health policy.
Practice Question:
Q. Assess the implications of the United States' withdrawal from the World Health Organisation for global health governance. How can India leverage this opportunity to strengthen its role in global health diplomacy?
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