In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration is contemplating a bold reform plan for the World Health Organization (WHO), with the aim of retaining its membership within the global health agency. The proposal, as outlined in a document reviewed by Reuters and presented to President Trump's advisors prior to his inauguration, advocates for the appointment of an American to the top position of the WHO when the current Director-General's term concludes in 2027.
The initial step towards this reform agenda involved President Trump's executive order to withdraw from the WHO, accusing the organization of mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic and being influenced by other nations. However, discussions surrounding this plan have been ongoing even before Trump assumed office, leaving uncertainties about the extent to which his administration will implement the proposed recommendations.
According to the document prepared by an external policy expert at the request of Trump's transition team, the WHO has been portrayed as the "most chaotic, least effective UN agency," highlighting areas where the organization has fallen short in terms of management and scientific expertise over the years. While acknowledging the potential negative impact of leaving the WHO on American interests, the document argues that staying within the organization may not be beneficial unless significant reforms are enacted.
In response to these criticisms, the WHO's director of transformation refuted the claims, emphasizing the extensive reforms that have been initiated under the current Director-General. These reforms include enhancing the organization's independence from donors, decentralizing decision-making processes, and improving financial transparency.
The reform proposal suggests the appointment of a U.S. special envoy in 2025 to oversee negotiations with the WHO regarding potential reforms before the scheduled exit in 2026. Furthermore, it advocates for a U.S. official to assume leadership of the WHO, a position that has never been held by an American throughout the organization's history.
As the largest financial contributor to the WHO, the United States plays a crucial role in supporting the agency's operations. The Trump administration's decision to halt collaboration with the WHO and consider withdrawing funding has raised concerns within the public health community. Calls for reconsideration of the exit plan have been echoed by U.S. lawmakers and public health experts, emphasizing the importance of remaining within the WHO to advocate for reforms that align with America's best interests.