In a dramatic policy shift, President Donald J. Trump—now serving as the 47th President of the United States—has signed an executive order officially withdrawing the nation from the World Health Organization (WHO). The directive, announced late last night, immediately halts all U.S. funding to the global health body and mandates a swift cessation of American participation in its programs. The decision has caused significant ripples globally, especially within the BRICS bloc—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—whose leaders are currently navigating the aftermath of this unprecedented action.
Trump’s executive order cites long-standing concerns about transparency and fairness in WHO operations. The White House claims that U.S. taxpayer funds have been “mismanaged and poorly accounted for,” and that the organization has become overly politicized. In his statement, President Trump emphasized that the United States must “protect its sovereignty and financial resources” by withdrawing from what he views as an ineffective global institution.
The implications for BRICS nations are wide-ranging. The U.S. has historically been one of the largest contributors to the WHO, and its sudden departure raises questions about how vital programs—such as those combating polio, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases—will be funded. Dr. Neha Varma, a public health specialist in India, warns that “any disruption in WHO resources could set back immunization campaigns and hamper responses to regional outbreaks, especially in low-income areas.”
Brazil, already grappling with economic and healthcare challenges, could see a direct impact on efforts to contain mosquito-borne diseases like Zika and dengue. Meanwhile, Russia has criticized the U.S. move as a “short-sighted decision” that undermines global health diplomacy. China, an influential member of the WHO, has signaled willingness to increase its financial support, potentially leading to a more prominent role in setting the organization’s agenda.
Amid growing anxiety, South Africa has raised concerns about how the loss of U.S. funding might weaken existing WHO programs focused on HIV/AIDS and maternal health. Minister Thandi Mbeki noted that “global health requires collective effort, and the exit of a major partner complicates our ability to combat cross-border health threats.”
In response, some BRICS officials have proposed creating a new health alliance to mitigate the fallout. Such a consortium would pool resources and expertise to address pressing medical needs in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal. Whether this proposal gains traction remains to be seen, but one fact is clear: President Trump’s executive order has reshaped the global health landscape, forcing BRICS nations—and the world at large—to reconsider how to collaborate in an era of shifting alliances and reduced American involvement.