The United States has abruptly ordered its public health officials to suspend all collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), effective immediately.
In a memo obtained by the Associated Press, Dr. John Nkengasong, a senior official at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), instructed agency staff to stop participating in any activities involving WHO. The directive applies to all forms of collaboration, including technical working groups, advisory boards, and cooperative agreements. The memo also explicitly prohibits CDC staff from visiting WHO offices or engaging virtually with the organization.
The move follows President Trump’s recent executive order to initiate the U.S.’s withdrawal from WHO. However, the withdrawal process requires Congressional approval, fulfillment of financial obligations for the fiscal year, and a one-year notice period, meaning it has not yet taken full effect.
Experts have expressed concern over the decision’s immediate impact on global health collaboration. Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, a public health expert at the University of Southern California, emphasized the significance of the U.S.-WHO partnership. “This sudden halt in communication is a big problem,” Klausner stated. “Many expected a gradual transition, but this abrupt cutoff has blindsided everyone.”
Klausner warned that the lack of collaboration with WHO could hinder the United States’ ability to access critical information about emerging health threats, diagnostic tests, and treatments. “This isn’t just about international health,” he said. “It’s about protecting Americans both abroad and at home.”
The Trump administration has also instructed federal health agencies to limit public communication until the end of the month, further restricting information flow.
The decision underscores mounting tensions between the U.S. and WHO, leaving global health experts concerned about its broader implications for disease control and pandemic preparedness.