President Donald Trump’s renewed decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) is prompting a major restructuring of America’s public health strategy.
The administration is preparing a domestic system designed to replicate functions previously handled through the UN agency, including disease surveillance, laboratory coordination, and data sharing.
WHO plays a central role in outbreak alerts, global health monitoring, and coordinated responses to cross-border threats.
Public health specialists warn that replacing those networks nationally may prove both complex and costly.
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A $2 billion strategy
Under the proposal, the U.S. would allocate roughly $2 billion annually to strengthen laboratory capacity, expand health data systems, and improve preparedness for infectious diseases, The Washington Post reported, citing unnamed officials.
That figure is about three times the country’s previous average annual contribution to WHO, which stood at $680 million.
The higher spending underscores the scale of the infrastructure Washington now intends to build independently.
Expert concerns mount
The price tag and the policy shift have drawn criticism from health experts.
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In comments reported by the Associated Press, several specialists cautioned that stepping away from WHO could weaken international cooperation and limit access to shared data.
Ronald Nahass of the Infectious Diseases Society of America described the move as short-sighted and scientifically irresponsible.
Lawrence Gostin of Georgetown University called it the most destructive decision of the president’s lifetime.
Outstanding dues and political context
WHO has said the United States owes more than $100 million in contributions for 2024 and 2025, despite having long been one of the agency’s largest financial supporters.
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Trump first sought to leave the organization in 2020, a move later reversed under President Joe Biden.
After returning to office, he signed a new executive order in January 2025, citing excessive payments and criticizing WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sources: The Independent, The Washington Post, and Associated Press.
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