The Beltway Report

WHO’s Reliance on China: Facing Potential ‘Collapse’ Without U.S. Support

The decision by the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization has sparked a debate about the organization’s sustainability and effectiveness.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order, highlighting concerns over unfair financial contributions and the disproportionate influence of certain member countries. This move has led to heightened discussions both in Washington and Geneva regarding the future of the WHO.

During the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, WHO officials privately recognized the seriousness of the U.S.’s withdrawal plans. It was noted that a significant gesture might be necessary to bring the U.S. back into the fold. “If the United States withdraws it may well collapse,” said Kathleen Sebelius, a health care consultant and former Health and Human Services secretary.

President Trump hinted at the possibility of remaining within the WHO if substantial reforms were undertaken. “Maybe we would consider doing it again. I don’t know. Maybe we would. They have to clean it up a little bit,” he remarked in a recent speech. However, optimism for such a scenario dimmed when a leaked memo instructed the CDC to cease collaboration with the WHO.

The White House’s Office of Management and Budget, along with the Department of Government Efficiency, halted a $37 million payment intended for the WHO.

This decision was confirmed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Supporters had hoped the administration would adhere to international norms that require dues to be settled before withdrawing from a treaty.

The executive order also emphasized enhancing biosecurity measures within the National Security Council. It directed the establishment of directorates to protect public health and strengthen biosecurity.

Experts weighed in on why the WHO appeared to bow to Chinese pressure during the pandemic and speculated on the organization’s future trajectory.

The timing of Trump’s executive order coincided with the anniversary of the WHO’s decision not to declare a public health emergency early in the pandemic. Evidence suggests China was aware of the situation by late 2019, yet suppressed crucial information. When a Shanghai lab released the virus’s genetic sequence, authorities swiftly closed it down.

By the time WHO officials arrived in China, Assistant Director-General Bruce Aylward praised China’s response. Communications revealed Aylward was “highly complementary” of China’s policies, without questioning the data provided. This stance drew criticism from some quarters for aligning too closely with Chinese narratives.

A short visit by WHO experts to Wuhan concluded with praise for China’s containment efforts. A March 2020 State Department cable indicated that the WHO’s commendations were used by China for propaganda purposes. The WHO’s perceived alignment with Chinese interests persisted into the Biden administration.

In early 2021, a new team of experts was sent to Wuhan to investigate the pandemic’s origins. Despite limited access and oversight by Chinese officials, the team downplayed the lab-origin hypothesis. WHO Mission Leader Peter Ben Embarek acknowledged the political pressures influencing the investigation.

Concerns over the independence of the WHO’s report were raised by the U.S. and 13 other countries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus distanced himself from the findings, advocating for a comprehensive investigation. The creation of a new global team aimed to deliver a more reliable report on the virus’s origins.

Peter Daszak, the sole American on the Wuhan mission, opposed further investigations into the lab-origin theory. Despite transparency requirements, conflicts of interest among WHO advisory members have been questioned. The anticipated SAGO report, intended to clarify the virus’s origins, remains unpublished.

Carlos Morel, linked to Daszak through a substantial project, serves on the SAGO despite potential conflicts. The WHO continues to request data from China regarding early cases and market activities in Wuhan. However, the information has yet to be provided, leaving many questions unanswered.

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