Congressman Cohen Leads Letter Opposing U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) led a letter with 42 Congressional colleagues today asking President Trump to reconsider his potentially calamitous decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). Citing the many benefits the U.S. receives through participation in WHO programs and cooperative agreements, the members argue that the organization is essential to global public health and the U.S. economy. They also contend that the U.S. pays dues based on a well-reasoned formula in line with its GDP and population but notes that much more U.S. funding for WHO programs – more than 84 percent -- comes from voluntary contributions from foundations and non-governmental organizations. It also notes that 67 million visitors from other countries entered the U.S. in 2023 while there were 98.5 million American departures from the U.S., indicating the influence of international travel on potential public health concerns. The letter also notes that, historically, the WHO has been instrumental in eradicating infectious diseases, like smallpox, and controlling contagion.

The letter reads in part:

“We are writing to express our concern about the ramifications of withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and encourage you to reconsider your decision.

“On January 20, 2025, you signed an Executive Order to withdraw the United States from WHO. At a public event on January 26, 2025, you said you might reconsider that position. We hope that you will indeed reverse your decision so that the United States can retain its leadership in global health and continue to receive the benefits of being a member of WHO…

“WHO supports research at 72 centers across eighteen states and Washington, D.C., to advance health research and innovation, allowing them and public health officials in the United States access to data that is invaluable and irreplaceable…

“Since its founding in 1948, the World Health Organization has led wide-ranging initiatives such as controlling measles, reducing mother-to-child disease transmission, addressing maternal mortality, defeating meningitis, reducing malaria, and advancing childhood cancer treatment. Due to its collaboration, WHO was successful in eradicating smallpox in 1980. After the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, the Americas were certified polio free in 1994, and the virus is now only endemic in two countries…

“If the United States is no longer a member of WHO, American around the world would be more susceptible to disease, but they could also carry it back to the United States and infect multitudes. Further, health officials would have an unnecessarily difficult time tracing a new outbreak, whether a new strain of influenza or an unknown antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This could lead to increased illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths anywhere in the world, including the United States.

“We appreciate your openness to reevaluate your Executive Order and your consideration of the many benefits that membership in the World Health Organization brings to our citizens and the world.”

See the entire letter here.

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