Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) is freezing recruitment, restricting travel, and cutting expenses following the U.S. withdrawal, its largest funding source.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned staff of worsening financial pressures and announced measures such as limiting technical missions, virtual-only meetings, renegotiating contracts, and halting office refurbishments.
Critics, like global health consultant Fifa Rahman, say the U.S. move harms global health preparedness.
Italy’s Deputy PM Matteo Salvini has also proposed withdrawing from the WHO, though Italy’s Prime Minister has not taken a stance.
In the past, the US was a country that could be depended on. The last 10 years have shown that to no longer be true.
I think the US will be going downhill in terms of international standing over the next few decades.
For sure, a less reliable partner is a less valuable partner. That’s one way to lose your geopolitical influence.