Summary

Summary of Executive Order: Withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization

Purpose

• The order states the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO) based on concerns regarding:
• WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises.
• The organization's lack of reforms and independence from political influences.
• Imbalance in financial contributions from the U.S. compared to other member states.

Actions Taken

• The U.S. intends to proceed with the withdrawal by:
• Revoking a previous letter that had retracted the initial withdrawal notice.
• Revoking Executive Order 13987, which focused on COVID-19 responses.
• Establishing mechanisms within the National Security Council to enhance public health and biosecurity.
• Pausing U.S. financial support to the WHO and reassigning personnel connected to it.
• Initiating a review of the Global Health Security Strategy.

Notification

• The Secretary of State is tasked to inform relevant parties, including the WHO and the United Nations, of the withdrawal.

Global System Negotiations

• The order halts negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and amendments to the International Health Regulations, indicating that such actions will not bind the U.S.

General Provisions

• The order clarifies that it does not affect the authority of executive departments, nor does it create enforceable rights against the U.S.

This executive order outlines a structured withdrawal process from the WHO, emphasizing reform needs and financial disparities while establishing new public health governance mechanisms.