THL and five other European public health agencies: the departure of the United States of America from the World Health Organization (WHO) could prompt European countries to meet the challenge of taking a leading role in the organisation

The directors of THL and five other European public health agencies have published an open letter in the prestigious Lancet magazine on behalf of the World Health Organization.

The letter states that the possible withdrawal of the United States of America (USA) from WHO will quickly prompt European countries to step in and take a greater role than previously in the organisation. European countries should not only increase financial contributions to the WHO but also send experts to WHO. 

The letter’s first signatory is THL. The other authors represent the public health institutes of Norway, Denmark, France, Austria and Portugal.

‘Although the decision of the United States, if implemented, is very regrettable, it is also creates an opportunity, ‘ says Mika Salminen, Director-General of THL. ‘It will put European countries in an excellent position to take the lead in global health policy.’

USA’s President Donald Trump said at the end of January that the country would withdraw from WHO at the start of 2026. Later, Trump also hinted that he would reconsider the country’s membership.

WHO’s reliance on the United States is also a risk

The United States is the largest contributor to the WHO, and hundreds of American specialists work for the organisation. The authors of the letter argue that WHO’s heavy reliance on the USA is also a risk for the organisation, which is now proving to be true. 

‘The departure of USA would create a gap, which Europeans should fill,’ says Salminen. ‘This could also happen in collaboration with other actors, such as the other countries in the OECD’.

Moreover, he points out that the United States also funds a large portion of the WHO’s European activities.

‘Europe should at least attend to the problems of its own region itself.’

The WHO manages the health risks associated with epidemics and natural disasters all around the world and carries out very important public health work in many poor countries, from providing support in prenatal clinics and the vaccination of children to general health care.

‘The future of global health depends on WHO's ability to continue its crucial work. Let us, therefore, seize this opportunity and ensure that WHO stays strong and functional in the years to come. It is, in the end, a quite cheap insurance policy for us all,’ write the directors.

Lancet: The urgent need to protect WHO is also an opportunity

Enquiries:

Mika Salminen
Director General
THL
tel. +358 (0)29 524 6001
[email protected]

Otto Helve
Director of Department
National Institute for Health and Welfare
tel. +358 (0)29 524 7711
[email protected]