Letter from the President: The U.S. Must Lead, Not Leave the World Health Organization

As a founding member of the WHO in 1948, the United States has played a pivotal role in shaping and governing the WHO’s work, most notably with the eradication of smallpox! Collaboration with the WHO has been instrumental in addressing global health challenges and protecting the health of Americans for over seventy-five years.
 
Instead of leaving the WHO, ACPM recommends that America strengthens its position to lead the organization in response to global health threats. We can do this by delivering American exceptionalism along with public health leadership on the international stage. Leaving the WHO will result in less equitable access to health resources, and more disease and death among the world’s most needy populations.

With evolving health hazards from known and unknown pathogens, ACPM believes a coordinated, proactive approach is essential in protecting national security and ensuring American prosperity. We are committed to supporting evidence-based, informed decision-making in the face of evolving public health threats. We recommend remaining fully engaged with the WHO, as solidifying our leadership within the global health community will help to deliver a healthier and more resilient America.
 
ACPM and its membership stands ready to collaborate with like-minded partners across various sectors, to mitigate the challenges posed by this recent decision. Moreover, this letter is a clarion call to ACPM’s membership, to work together with the Board, through our various Committees and the staff, to connect with your elected officials to encourage the Trump Administration to reverse its decision and maintain this country’s membership in the World Health Organization.
 
Mirza I. Rahman, MD, MPH, FAAFP, FACPM
President

Reference:

1. https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/withdrawing-the-united-states-from-the-worldhealth-organization/