By Matt Underwood US officially exits World Health Organization, and it’s a move that’s pretty much unprecedented. As far as the world is concerned, the United States is the only country on the planet that’s done this. Literally, everyone else is still a member of the WHO in some capacity. It’s a pretty stark contrast, and the implications are significant.
The departure is like a messy divorce, as one article put it. The US is essentially saying, “We’re done, and we’re not paying.” The WHO, in turn, is saying, “You can’t just leave without settling your debts.” There’s more than $270 million owed for the 2024-2025 period, and it’s a huge issue, especially when you consider the global impact of the organization.
Of course, the whole situation is made worse by the fact that the US hasn’t paid its bills. This isn’t exactly surprising, and it paints a picture of a country that’s not only walking away from international cooperation but also shirking its financial responsibilities. The whole thing reeks of a pattern of disregard for established norms.
Leaving the WHO raises some serious questions. What happens to the US’s ability to respond to global health crises? How will it impact the country’s access to information and resources? And what about the broader implications for international collaboration on health issues? The US is banking on “plans” to work with other organizations, but those plans are vague and don’t inspire much confidence. We’ve seen “plans” before, like with a promise to replace the Affordable Care Act, and they often lead nowhere.
It seems like we’ve forgotten how bad diseases can be. We just witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic firsthand, with its devastating consequences. And before that, there were polio, smallpox, and measles, diseases that caused immense suffering and fear. The fact that the US is actively distancing itself from an organization that plays a key role in preventing and controlling these diseases is baffling.
The fact that preventable diseases are making a comeback is deeply troubling. The leader of the most powerful and wealthiest nation seemingly forgot about these things. It’s like the beginning of a zombie movie. This seems like it’s taking the US backwards. Germs don’t respect borders. Global cooperation and communication are critical to keep our own citizens protected.
The US is making a dangerous move by leaving the WHO. This is the kind of short-sighted thinking that could lead to widespread illness and suffering. This doesn’t benefit anyone, not even the ultra-wealthy. Research benefits them too, as cancer doesn’t discriminate.
The move is against the obvious. Ignoring scientists and medical professionals is never a good idea. This feels like the beginning of the end. A lot of people are seriously worried about the US’s future.
The US seems to be going down a path that will hurt everyone. If the US doesn’t cooperate with global health efforts, it will isolate itself. This isn’t about political ideology; it’s about basic human health. Why would you want to put your country at risk? It’s unfathomable.