SHEA calls for continued U.S. partnership with the World Health Organization

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) wants to emphasize the importance of global partnerships in addressing health threats that impact all of us, as Americans and global citizens. We urge President Trump to reconsider the decision to terminate the U.S. relationship with the World Health Organization (WHO). The most effective way to address emerging health threats is through collaborative efforts with international partners. Eliminating U.S. involvement in the WHO would leave our country-and the world-more vulnerable to infectious diseases and less prepared to manage pandemics, fight emerging health threats, respond to chronic diseases, and improve infection prevention resources. 

It is essential that the United States continues our connection with the WHO to coordinate surveillance, monitoring, detection, prevention, research, and response to public health threats including outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance and high consequence pathogens such as viral hemorrhagic fevers (Ebola, Marburg), Mpox, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (e.g., H5N1).

SHEA works directly with international organizations, healthcare systems, and experts around the globe to share evidence-based practices, conduct research, and promote innovations in infection prevention. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering global partnerships and as such, SHEA will remain involved in the Global Infection Prevention and Control Network (GIPCN) whose mission is to align global efforts on infection prevention, a critical component of fighting chronic diseases and emerging pathogens. Continued partnership with the WHO is also critical to fighting antimicrobial resistance, a serious threat to domestic and global health. We must stay engaged to protect the effectiveness and efficacy of antibiotics. The United States needs to work with other countries to improve the public health of all global citizens, including Americans. SHEA acknowledges the large contributions that the United States makes to support the WHO and encourages the United States to engage in bilateral discussions with the WHO regarding funding and organization rather than complete withdrawal to support these efforts.

Our global collaborations ensure that knowledge and resources transcend borders, benefiting not just healthcare workers and patients in the United States, but also communities worldwide. SHEA remains dedicated to strengthening these relationships to address today's challenges and prepare for future public health threats.

If this announcement to withdraw from the WHO is implemented, we urge President Trump to reconsider for the health and safety of American citizens and the global community. SHEA will continue to advocate for science-driven, collaborative approaches to protect and improve public health for everyone.