Global health experts say the Thursday move weakens American safety and scientific capacity more than it addresses those concerns [1]. What WHO doesThe World Health Organization is the United Nations’ specialized health agency, created in 1948 to coordinate international responses to disease outbreaks, set health standards and support countries’ public health systems [5]. COVID-19’s central role in US withdrawalThe pandemic response was the central justification for withdrawal. Critics note that WHO must rely on member states for data and access with limited formal power over them. U.S. scientists used WHO to disseminate research, lead expert committees and export American standards, strengthening both global health and U.S. soft power [1].

Source: ABC News January 27, 2026 13:24 UTC