U.S. CDC Ordered to Cease Collaborations with WHO Amid Withdrawal Process

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The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been instructed to immediately stop all collaborations with the World Health Organization (WHO). A memo from CDC official John Nkengasong outlined that agency staff must halt their work with WHO, effective immediately, and "await further guidance." This sudden action has raised concerns among health experts, as it is expected to hinder vital investigations into outbreaks of diseases such as the Marburg virus and mpox in Africa, as well as impact global monitoring of bird flu.

The directive follows President Trump's executive order aimed at withdrawing the United States from WHO, although the process is complex and requires Congressional approval, meeting financial obligations, and providing a one-year notice. Health professionals have expressed alarm over the abrupt cessation of communications with WHO, emphasizing that the collaboration benefits both U.S. officials and the global health community by sharing critical information on emerging health threats.

Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, a public health expert, criticized the suddenness of the stoppage, stating it leaves many professionals unprepared. The Department of Health and Human Services has not commented on the memo, leaving the full implications of this decision unclear.

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