Redefining Global Health Leadership

While the global health community is alarmed by US presidential orders, this presents an opportunity to reflect on and strengthen the global health network

- RAMYA PINNAMANENI & DEBASHIS BANDYOPADHYAY

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled “Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid,” mandating an immediate 90-day suspension of all new foreign development assistance obligations and disbursements. During this period, the effectiveness and policy consistency of aid programs will be assessed by relevant agencies. Based on the findings, programs may be continued, modified, or terminated.

President Trump has also initiated the process of the US’s gradual withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). With 2026 as the deadline, the United States’ disassociation with WHO will significantly impact global health initiatives. The US has been the largest contributor to the WHO, providing nearly $261 million between 2024-2025, accounting for approximately 18 per cent of the organization’s funding. This funding supports essential programs such as disease control, polio eradication, and vaccine development.

These executive orders have in essence cut off US foreign funding also to frontal healthcare agencies like the US Agency for International Development (USAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This decision would have some effect on India’s short-term goals in health and environment management programs. But given India’s growing self-reliance in recent years, the nation can turn around and offset the adverse effects of the US’ disengagement costs.

India has shown remarkable resilience over the past decade. The steady decline of US’ financial support to India following the latter’s 2004 decision to reject conditional foreign aid could not browbeat the country’s resurgent morale. The impact of Trump’s executive orders could be greater in regions such as Africa, where the dependence on foreign aid is much higher.