The World Health Organization is flawed. It is underfunded, overly bureaucratic, siloed and often held hostage by political interests. Nevertheless, the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to hold U.S. funding for the organization pending a review of its handling of the COVID-19 outbreak is petulant and short-sighted.
The move undercuts the organization as it attempts to respond to the worst pandemic in over a century; it is like de-funding the fire department in the middle of a three-alarm blaze. The decision also further marginalizes the United States within the WHO, undermining Washington’s ability to reform a vital institution.
Established in 1948, the WHO’s mission is “to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.” In its 70-plus years, it has chalked up impressive successes. It is credited with eliminating smallpox, a deadly disease that claimed an estimated 300 million lives in the 20th century. It has nearly eradicated polio, the Hansen’s disease and river blindness, and has been instrumental in developing an Ebola vaccine. For many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable citizens, the WHO is their medical lifeline — and the U.S. decision to cut funding threatens that support.