NCDA Statement on the United States Withdrawal from the World Health Organization
The NCD Alliance (NCDA) expresses deep concern following the United States’ formal notification that its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) will take effect, concluding a year-long process initiated by an executive order in 2025. The withdrawal weakens global health cooperation and risks reversing hard-won progress in global health.
The United States was a founding member of the WHO in 1948 and has played a central role in advancing WHO’s work ever since. WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of people worldwide by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and other health emergencies.
“The NCD Alliance is extremely concerned by the implications of the United States withdrawal now becoming effective,” said Katie Dain, CEO of the NCD Alliance. “At a time of growing health inequities and rising NCD burdens, WHO’s unique legitimacy, convening power and global reach are more critical than ever to strengthening health systems and advancing health for all”.
The withdrawal, announced in an executive order one year ago and formalised last week, creates significant financial and political uncertainty for WHO at a time when global health systems are under severe strain. Sustained international cooperation and adequately resourced multilateral institutions are essential to safeguard health, wellbeing, and shared security worldwide.
NCDA hopes that the United States will, in time, return to active engagement with WHO in the interests of global health, multilateral cooperation, and global security.
