Impact of the U.S. Withdrawal from the WHO on Bangladesh

U.S. Withdrawal from WHO: Implications for Bangladesh

Introduction

At the start of Donald Trump’s second term, the United States made a swift and expected decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). This move mirrored Trump’s initial attempt in July 2020, which was later reversed by President Biden due to the mandatory one-year withdrawal notice.

With the withdrawal now back in progress, the consequences for global health are significant and worrisome. The effects are already apparent—within weeks, nearly one-fourth of countries faced disruptions in tuberculosis medication distribution.

The situation is further aggravated by simultaneous reductions in USAID funding, the closure of UNAIDS, and the withdrawal of Swiss and other international contributions, exacerbating the crisis.

For densely populated Bangladesh, already grappling with major healthcare challenges, this development has sparked serious concern. The WHO has long been a key partner, providing both technical expertise and financial support to strengthen the country's healthcare system.

As the U.S. reduces its role in global health, Bangladesh must now swiftly adapt to this shifting landscape and find alternative solutions to address the funding gap left by declining U.S. contributions.

The Role of WHO

Since its founding in 1948, WHO has served as the foundation of global health cooperation. As the lead health authority within the United Nations, WHO goes beyond administrative coordination to execute critical functions that save lives worldwide.

Key responsibilities of WHO include:

• Providing leadership on global health issues
• Setting research priorities and health standards
• Establishing evidence-based policies
• Driving change and strengthening healthcare institutions

At the national level, WHO supports evidence-based policymaking, capacity building, and institutional development to improve healthcare delivery.

U.S.-WHO Relations

Historically, the U.S. has been one of WHO’s largest financial contributors, accounting for about 18% of its budget. This funding sustains essential health programs worldwide, which are now at risk of disruption.

The decision to withdraw reflects a broader shift away from multilateralism under Trump’s leadership, driven by criticisms of WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over its ties with China. The move threatens global health initiatives, job security, and WHO’s ability to respond effectively to health crises.

WHO’s Role in Bangladesh’s Health Sector

WHO has played a crucial role in advancing Bangladesh’s healthcare system. Through close collaboration with the government, it has contributed to key achievements, including:

• Reductions in maternal, infant, and child mortality
• Increased immunization coverage
• Elimination of polio
• Decreases in malaria, tuberculosis, and diarrheal diseases

WHO’s support was instrumental in achieving Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 on child mortality and continues to be vital as Bangladesh faces emerging challenges such as non-communicable diseases, health emergencies, and climate-related risks.

In recent years, WHO has supported the Health Population Nutrition Sector Programme (HPNSP) 2017–2022, aimed at achieving universal health coverage (UHC) through improved governance, strengthened health systems, and enhanced service quality. The Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) 2020–2024 further aligns WHO’s efforts with Bangladesh’s health priorities.

Consequences of U.S. Withdrawal for Global Health

The withdrawal of U.S. support extends far beyond WHO’s headquarters, affecting healthcare systems worldwide. WHO-led initiatives addressing childhood mortality, infectious disease control, and maternal health are now under threat.

Key areas at risk include:

• Polio eradication and tuberculosis control – These programs, heavily reliant on U.S. funding, may face significant setbacks.
• Disease surveillance – WHO plays a vital role in identifying and containing outbreaks. The exclusion of the U.S. from this network increases its vulnerability to future pandemics.
• Global health cooperation – The withdrawal leaves the U.S. isolated, as no other organization matches WHO’s capacity for coordinating international health responses.

While some nations, including the European Union and China, are stepping up to fill funding gaps, replacing U.S. contributions remains a major challenge in the short term.

Impact on Bangladesh’s Healthcare System

For Bangladesh, the withdrawal presents both immediate and long-term challenges. Key concerns include:

1. Disruption of WHO-supported initiatives – Bangladesh has benefited from WHO-backed programs tackling tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, and maternal health. Reduced funding jeopardizes progress in these areas.
2. Vaccine distribution challenges – WHO played a central role in COVID-19 vaccine distribution through COVAX, with the U.S. being the largest donor. Without American support, Bangladesh might have faced significant delays in securing vaccines.
3. Increased strain on healthcare infrastructure – Bangladesh’s healthcare system is already under pressure. Reduced international funding could lead to resource shortages and service disruptions.

Bangladesh’s Possible Response

To mitigate the impact of the U.S. withdrawal, Bangladesh can take several steps to strengthen its healthcare system:

1. Enhance Domestic Healthcare Financing

   • Increase government spending on health
   • Explore alternative funding mechanisms such as health bonds

2. Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure

   • Invest in medical workforce training
   • Improve supply chain resilience
   • Expand local medicine production

3. Encourage Public-Private Partnerships

   • Collaborate with private sector healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies to reduce dependence on imports

4. Prioritize Preventive Healthcare

   • Strengthen public health campaigns on hygiene, nutrition, and vaccinations
   • Focus on non-communicable disease prevention

5. Improve Local Health Financing

   • Expand health insurance coverage
   • Develop community-based healthcare financing models

6. Leverage Digital Health Solutions

   • Utilize telemedicine and mobile health applications to improve accessibility in rural areas

7. Expand Regional and Multilateral Partnerships

   • Strengthen ties with neighboring countries, the European Union, and UNICEF to secure alternative funding and resources

Conclusion

The U.S. withdrawal from WHO marks a significant shift in global health dynamics, with notable consequences for Bangladesh. However, it also presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to move toward a more self-sufficient healthcare system.

By diversifying funding sources, fostering partnerships, investing in technology, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure, Bangladesh can adapt to the changing global health landscape and ensure continued progress in its healthcare sector.

While the absence of U.S. leadership poses challenges, it reinforces the importance of resilient health systems and diversified international cooperation for the future of Bangladesh’s healthcare.