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In a shocking move, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been instructed to halt all communication and collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), following President Donald Trump’s order for the U.S. to withdraw from the global health body.
A memo sent late Sunday from Dr. John Nkengasong, the CDC’s deputy director of global health, outlined the directive for CDC staff. The memo stated that “effective immediately, all CDC staff engaging with WHO through technical working groups, coordinating centers, advisory boards, cooperative agreements, or other means—in person or virtual—must cease their activity and await further guidance.”
This decision stems from President Trump’s January 20 executive order, which revisits the U.S.’s 2020 notice of withdrawal from WHO. Federal law usually requires a year-long notice period, but the Trump administration has moved forward with an immediate severing of ties.
The White House, the CDC, WHO, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have yet to respond to requests for comment on the situation.
Global Health Implications
The abrupt decision comes at a time when the world is grappling with serious health concerns, including outbreaks of bird flu and other infectious diseases. Experts are voicing alarm over the potential consequences of halting cooperation with WHO.
Dr. Lawrence Gostin, a global health expert at Georgetown University and a WHO coordinating center head, criticized the move as “reckless.” “Ordering the CDC not to work with WHO to put out fires is going to make Americans far more vulnerable,” Gostin said. “Viruses don’t take a break while the White House figures out its next move.”
The CDC operates in over 60 countries, monitoring and managing infectious disease outbreaks, and experts warn that this disruption could weaken global efforts to combat health crises.
“If you want to figure out your future relationship with WHO, you stay in the fight until you figure it out, and then you make your move,” Dr. Gostin added. “You don’t just quit the battle while you’re trying to figure something out, because the enemy—which is the virus—is still circulating and causing mayhem.”
Political and Health Stakes
The decision raises questions about the U.S.’s future role in global health coordination and the broader geopolitical implications of severing ties with a key health organization. With the COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing, the full ramifications of this move remain uncertain, as experts continue to monitor both national and international health efforts.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on information available at the time of writing. The situation may evolve, and new developments could alter the details provided.
