US to Build $2B WHO Alternative After Planned Exit | Becker’s Hospital Review
The U.S. Government is considering a significant shift in its approach to global health security. Following the U.S. Exit from the World Health Organization (WHO) in January, the Trump administration is reportedly proposing a $2 billion annual investment in a U.S.-managed alternative to the WHO, according to reporting from The Washington Post on February 19.
Replicating Global Health Infrastructure
A New System
This proposed initiative aims to recreate key functions currently provided by the WHO. These include establishing and maintaining laboratories, developing rapid-response systems for health emergencies, and creating networks for sharing health data internationally. Three administration officials, as reported by The Washington Post, have been briefed on the details of this proposal.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) confirmed it is engaged in discussions regarding the future of U.S. Involvement in global health. HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon stated on February 19 that the department is “working with the White House in a deliberative, interagency process on the path forward for global health and foreign assistance that first and foremost protects Americans.” However, HHS did not directly confirm the $2 billion proposal.
Financial Implications
The potential cost of this U.S.-run alternative is substantial. According to The Washington Post, the $2 billion annual price tag is approximately three times the amount the U.S. Previously contributed to the WHO annually. One official stated that the funding is intended “to build the systems and capacities to do what the WHO did for us.”
Potential Challenges and Future Outlook
Experts suggest that a U.S.-led organization may face limitations in its global reach. Atul Gawande, MD, former assistant administrator for global health for the U.S. Agency for International Development, noted to The Washington Post that the WHO provides access to information from countries like China and Russia, which do not routinely share such data directly with the U.S.
The U.S. Has not yet fulfilled all requirements for its withdrawal from the WHO, specifically the payment of outstanding dues totaling $278 million for the 2024-25 period, as reported by NPR on January 20.
If the proposal moves forward, the U.S. Could begin building a new global health infrastructure. However, the success of this endeavor may depend on its ability to establish effective data-sharing agreements and collaborative relationships with countries worldwide. Alternatively, the administration could revisit its position on the WHO and seek to re-engage with the organization. A possible next step could involve further internal debate within the administration regarding the feasibility and potential benefits of each approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the U.S. Initially decide to withdraw from the WHO?
President Donald Trump cited the WHO’s “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic” and other global health crises as the reason for withdrawing the U.S. From the organization, according to an executive order signed in January 2025.
How much money does the U.S. Currently owe the WHO?
The U.S. Owes $278 million in outstanding dues to the WHO for the 2024-25 period, according to a report from NPR on January 20.
What systems is the proposed U.S.-run organization intended to replicate?
The proposed organization would replicate systems provided by the WHO, including laboratories, rapid-response systems, and data-sharing networks, as reported by The Washington Post.
As the U.S. Considers this significant change in its global health strategy, what role do you believe international collaboration should play in addressing future health crises?