U.S. public health officials have been directed to immediately cease all collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). This decision follows a memo issued by John Nkengasong, a senior official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), instructing staff to halt participation in WHO projects and refrain from visiting WHO offices.
The directive applies to CDC employees involved in WHO’s technical working groups, advisory boards, and cooperative agreements, whether in person or virtual. The sudden order has raised concerns among global health experts about its potential impact on ongoing efforts to combat global health threats, including outbreaks of Marburg virus, mpox, and bird flu.
The halt comes as President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the U.S. withdrawal from WHO. While the withdrawal process requires congressional approval, fulfillment of financial obligations, and a one-year notice, the administration has moved quickly to limit U.S. interaction with the global health body.
Critics of the decision, including public health expert Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, warned of serious repercussions. Klausner noted that collaboration with WHO allows the U.S. to exchange critical information about new outbreaks, treatments, and diagnostic tools. “Talking to WHO is a two-way street,” he said, emphasizing the potential risks to Americans at home and abroad.
President Trump has repeatedly criticized WHO for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing the organization of providing flawed guidance and succumbing to political pressures. The administration has also argued that the U.S. contributes disproportionately to WHO compared to other nations.
Health officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed the directive but declined further comment. WHO officials referred questions about the stoppage to U.S. authorities, while the Department of Health and Human Services has yet to respond to inquiries.
The decision to halt collaboration raises immediate concerns about global health preparedness and underscores the administration’s determination to prioritize reforms in international health governance.
