WHO: Moving forward without the U.S.

According to an inquiry from Kazinform, WHO stated that it has undergone the most extensive structural reforms in its history over the past seven years, guided by Member States.

“The WHO Transformation has touched every part of our work: our strategy, operating model, processes, partnerships, financing, workforce, and culture.”

The organization has implemented 85 of the 97 proposed reforms in its Secretariat Implementation Plan and continues efforts to strengthen country offices.

“For WHO, change is a constant. We believe in continuous improvement, and we would welcome suggestions from the United States and all Member States for how we can serve the people of the world better,” the statement explains.

Although the loss of the U.S. as a member is significant, WHO emphasized that it remains an organization of 193 Member States.

“The United States is a major contributor to WHO and global health, both in terms of financial support and technical and scientific expertise,” WHO acknowledged.

However, the organization pointed out that global health leadership has diversified, with many other countries stepping up during the COVID-19 response.

“WHO will continue to engage with all Member States who are negotiating a global Pandemic Agreement in good faith, to help ensure we are prepared when the next pandemic strikes.”

According to WHO’s official statement, the loss of U.S. contributions, which totaled $706 million for the 2024-25 period—$264 million in assessed contributions and $442 million in voluntary contributions—will have an impact. However, WHO stated that it is currently analyzing developments to understand the implications in detail.

Despite this uncertainty, WHO expressed its willingness to maintain ties with the U.S.: “WHO stands ready to negotiate with the new administration to sustain the strong, decades-long collaboration between the U.S. and WHO that has saved millions of lives of Americans and people around the world.”

As WHO continues assessing the broader consequences of the U.S. withdrawal for global health, it remains committed to its mission.

“The 193 remaining Member States are getting on with protecting, providing, and promoting health,” reaffirming the organization’s dedication to global public health efforts.

Earlier, Kazinform News Agency reported that UN agencies responded to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s executive orders to withdraw from the World Health Organization and the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the potentially massive negative impact on public health and efforts to curb global warming.