By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – Some 6 European national health authorities on Monday have called to increase the European engagement with the World Health Organization in response to the potential withdrawal of the US.
The heads of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare and five other European national health institutions published an open letter in the prestigious Lancet journal, highlighted the challenges posed by a possible US exit.
The letter emphasized that European nations must swiftly assume a greater role within the WHO, news media reported.
According to a press release issued by THL, the letter urged European countries not only to increase their financial contributions to the WHO but also to send more experts to the organization.
The appeal was co-signed by the national health institutions of Norway, Denmark, France, Austria, and Portugal, it stated.
The letter stated that a stronger European commitment to WHO would “stabilize the organization” and ensure “that its values continue to shape global health policy”.
US has been WHO’s largest financial contributor and supplies hundreds of experts to the organization.
The letter warned that WHO’s heavy reliance on the US poses a significant risk, a concern that is now materializing.
WHO operates on an annual budget of approximately $3 billion, which remains modest in international terms despite its global mandate,.
US withdrawal would leave a substantial financial and expertise gap, the signatories noted.
WHO plays a crucial role in managing health crises related to epidemics and natural disasters globally.
It also carries out vital public health initiatives in less-developed countries, such as maternal health programs and childhood vaccinations.
US President Donald Trump announced at the end of January that the country would withdraw the WHO in the beginning of 2026.
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