Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrates World Health Day, a milestone it hosts annually to commemorate its inception over seven decades ago. However, for the first time since the WHO was founded 78 years ago, the United States is not participating as a member nation. The withdrawal stems from an executive order signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, a decision finalized this year. Yet, certain U.S. states and cities continue to engage with the WHO, showcasing a fragmented approach to global health cooperation.

Science as a Theme in 2024

The theme of this year’s World Health Day is Together for Health: Stand with Science. It emphasizes the invaluable role of science in driving medical progress and tackling modern health issues. Through this theme, the WHO aims to highlight the collaborative efforts required among nations to prioritize science as a cornerstone of global health initiatives. Promoting science-based solutions, the organization has called for global unity to address health challenges more effectively, particularly in the areas of disease prevention, outbreak response, and medical innovation.

A central component of this year’s events is the Global Forum of WHO Collaborating Centers, which begins today and continues through April 9. This forum gathers health experts, researchers, and policymakers to discuss strategies for leveraging science and collaboration. The aim is broad, focusing on global preparedness and data-driven approaches to health crises, which have gained prominence during years of pandemic responses.

U.S. Withdrawal: What It Means

The absence of the United States as a national member of the WHO represents a significant shift in the landscape of international health policy. Long considered a key player in global health initiatives, the U.S. had historically played a pivotal role in funding the WHO’s programs and leading innovative health campaigns worldwide. However, President Trump's decision to remove the U.S. from the organization, citing disagreements over its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic among other issues, marked a departure from decades of engagement.

In practical terms, the withdrawal has created gaps in funding and has limited the avenues for large-scale U.S. participation in WHO-coordinated efforts. The move raised concerns among global health experts about the ability to maintain unified responses to health crises without the involvement of one of the world's largest economies. It also underscores the tension between national policies and international collaboration.

Despite the national withdrawal, local U.S. actors are stepping up to continue collaboration with the WHO. States like Illinois, California, and New York, as well as New York City independently, have forged paths to join the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a WHO-led initiative focusing on outbreak preparedness and rapid response. These subnational entities demonstrate that while federal disengagement may limit one avenue, other layers of government can still engage with global agencies.

Public Engagement: Actions Individuals Can Take

The WHO has invited individuals worldwide to mark World Health Day by reflecting on the role of science in health. Members of the public are encouraged to participate by posing health-related questions, sharing personal stories about how science has improved their lives, or promoting discussions under hashtags such as #StandWithScience and #WorldHealthDay. This outreach reflects the WHO’s belief that public awareness and engagement are critical components of health progress.

Implications and Moving Forward

The withdrawal of the United States from the WHO raises broader questions about the role of influential nations in addressing global challenges. The overlapping interests of nations during a health crisis, such as pandemics or widespread disease outbreaks, highlight the importance of cooperative frameworks. The division between federal-level withdrawal and state-level collaboration sets a precedent for the role subnational entities could play in global governance moving forward.

As the WHO forges ahead with its celebration of global science and health innovations, the organization will likely emphasize resilience and adaptability in the absence of active participation from key member states. With programs such as the GOARN gaining traction, the WHO continues to explore diverse means of fostering cooperation, even in the face of political complexities.

This year’s World Health Day not only serves as a celebration of progress in medicine but also as a reminder of the challenges inherent in achieving truly global health collaboration. Whether the United States rejoins the WHO in the future remains a question, but for now, the gaps left by its absence serve as both a challenge and an opportunity for other actors to step forward.