CDC ordered to stop working with WHO immediately by White House
Signage stands outside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S, on Saturday, March 14, 2020 (Credit: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
ATLANTA - The White House has directed the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to cease all collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), according to a memo obtained by the Associated Press.
What we know:
The memo, sent to senior leaders of the CDC on Sunday night, instructed all staff engaged with the WHO to immediately stop their activities and "await further guidance." It specified that employees working through technical groups, advisory boards, cooperative agreements, or other means—whether in person or virtually—must end their involvement. Additionally, CDC staff are barred from visiting WHO offices.
The CDC currently details nearly 30 staff members to the WHO and provides millions of dollars annually through cooperative agreements. The two organizations have historically worked closely, with daily interactions between their staff to combat global health threats.
What they're saying:
Experts warn the sudden halt in collaboration could hinder efforts to address outbreaks of diseases like the Marburg virus and mpox in Africa, as well as emerging global health risks such as bird flu among U.S. livestock. "This move is reckless," said Dr. Lawrence Gostin, a global health expert at Georgetown University and director of a WHO coordinating center. "Ordering the CDC not to work with WHO to put out fires is going to make Americans far more vulnerable."
The directive follows an executive order issued last week by President Trump to begin withdrawing the United States from the WHO. While federal law requires a one-year notice for withdrawal, Trump’s order asserts that legal notice was provided during his first term in 2020, allowing the process to proceed immediately. The U.S. is one of WHO’s largest funders, providing substantial financial support and expertise.
Public health officials expressed surprise at the abrupt decision. The CDC and WHO have collaborated for decades on a range of critical issues, from infectious diseases to public health emergencies. Health authorities worldwide are currently monitoring bird flu outbreaks and other global threats that could demand a coordinated response.
Why you should care:
In addition to severing ties with WHO, President Trump also ordered the CDC and other federal health agencies to limit communications with the public until Feb. 1. Experts warn that the move could further complicate the nation’s response to ongoing health challenges.
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The decision marks a significant shift in the U.S. approach to global health cooperation and has drawn criticism from public health experts, who fear it could undermine efforts to address pressing international health crises.