An executive order by President Trump has directed CDC staff to immediately cease all communication and collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). Public health experts warn that this action could severely compromise our ability to stop disease outbreaks. International cooperation are vital to preventing and responding to infectious diseases, including the worsening Avian Flu epidemic. Global health experts also expect the WHO exit to threaten efforts to fight tuberculosis, the number one infectious disease killer, as well as HIV and other epidemics.
On January 21, 2025, Trump ordered the US to withdraw from the WHO, which according to federal law, triggered a 12-month notice period after which the US would exit the organization. However, the CDC abruptly issued the executive order on January 26 telling staff to stop all work with the WHO “effective immediately”. The order states that because Trump provided notice of withdrawal during his first term, the US and can leave the WHO immediately.
“President Trump is asking CDC to hit the pause button. But the truth is that viruses don’t take a break from circulating while the White House figures out its next move,” said Dr. Lawrence Gostin, a global health expert with Georgetown University. “If you want to figure out what your future relationship is with WHO, you stay in the fight until you figured it out, and then you make your move. You don’t just quit the battle while you’re trying to figure something out, because the enemy – which is the virus – is still circulating and causing mayhem.”
Full Story: HealthDay, Reuters