In the wake of the United States’ recent announcement of its intention to exit the World Health Organization and its dismantling of USAID, the global community must mobilize to leverage established and innovative tools for collective perseverance and sustainable funding for global health.
The relationship between WHO and the U.S., one of WHO’s founding members, has historically been both collaborative and contentious. However, the 2020 and 2025 withdrawal announcements were not indicative of a ruptured partnership; rather, they represent an unprecedented intent by a small powerful few to exploit vulnerabilities in global health cooperation.
Together, the global community including the American people must stay resilient to the potential chaos and focus on strengthening global health cooperation, and ensuring lasting financing for a healthier future.
About the authors
Hassanatu Blake
Hassanatu Blake, Ph.D., MPH, MBA is the inaugural director of the global health undergraduate program and an associate clinical professor in the department of global, environmental, and occupational health at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. She is a global and digital health leader dedicated to improving health and well-being in underserved communities worldwide.
Oni Blackstock
Dr. Oni Blackstock, MHS, is a primary care and HIV physician, as well as the founder and executive director of Health Justice, a consultancy that helps health care and public health organizations prioritize antiracism and equity approaches in their organizational policies, practices, and culture as they work to eliminate health inequities.
