Deepak Dwivedi
A weaker WHO could harm global pandemic preparedness efforts, leaving countries more vulnerable to future outbreaks. Specific initiatives like Gavi — the Vaccine Alliance — may also be indirectly impacted, affecting India’s immunisation efforts
On his first day at the Oval Office, US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of America from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The withdrawal, which will take effect after a year, could have several direct and indirect consequences for India, depending on how the global health ecosystem adjusts to the change.
The US has been one of the largest contributors to the WHO. Its withdrawal could create a significant funding gap, affecting critical health programmes worldwide. India, as a major recipient of WHO-led initiatives like polio eradication, tuberculosis (TB) elimination, and immunisation drives, might face delays or funding shortfalls in these programmes.
Specific initiatives like Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), might also be indirectly impacted, affecting India’s immunisation efforts.
Many low and middle-income countries in South Asia and Africa rely on WHO for technical expertise and support in tackling health crises. A weaker WHO could strain India’s role as a regional health leader, pushing India to step in more actively to assist neighbouring countries during health emergencies.
With a diminished WHO, India might have to expand its domestic and international public health capabilities. This could mean enhancing its collaboration with alternative global health institutions, like the Global Fund or the Gates Foundation, or even creating bilateral arrangements with countries to fill the void.
A weaker WHO could harm global pandemic preparedness efforts, leaving countries more vulnerable to future outbreaks. India’s dependency on WHO guidelines, research, and supply chain networks for Covid-19, for example, underscores the criticality of a strong global health body.
India is a global leader in pharmaceutical production and vaccine manufacturing. A weaker WHO might affect global regulatory harmonisation, slowing approvals and certifications for Indian exports. However, this could also present an opportunity for India to establish itself as an independent certifying body, enhancing its influence in global health governance.
America’s withdrawal could open the door for India to take on a leadership role in the WHO or health diplomacy in general. By increasing its funding or expertise contributions, India could position itself as a critical player in global health, improving its soft power.
There is little doubt that abandoning the WHO weakens global health security. All countries, including the US, would, therefore, be well advised to strengthen its framework rather than leave it in disarray.
