Maggie's Farm

World Health Organization

When the Government to the USA withdraws from The W.H.O, funds from USA foundations will become be the largest source of funding for the organization, most notably the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, which has been funding the organization almost as much as the US government (the WHOs largest funder) and at a level far greater than any other nation.

And the W. H. O. doesn't spend this money itself, it in turn donates it on to other programs, such as agencies working on polio reduction. The US money is budgeted by Congress for international health programs, so it will still be spent, by giving it directly to the agencies doing the work rather than giving it via the W.H.O.

So the USA will still have just as much commitment to funding global health programs, USA sources will still be the largest source of funding to The WHO, the only difference will be that the US 'loses' its vote and direct influence within the organization -- which by all appearances hasn't been very effective influence anyway, w.r.t. the US 'getting its way" in leadership or direction of The WHO.

My prediction is that this will be like the US withdrawal from the international postal union, in that at the 11th hour, the fear of losing the USA will suddenly galvanize action by other nations to suddenly overcome decades of inertia for reform. Those who like the WHO as it is are hoping that their allies in congress and the US media can stop the white-house from completing this withdrawal before the 11th hour.