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CDC halts WHO collaborations immediately following executive order

January 29, 2025

According to an email sent from CDC’s deputy director for global health to staff Monday morning, as reported by The Washington Post, “effective immediately all CDC staff engaging with WHO through technical working groups, coordinating centers, advisory boards, cooperative agreements or other means — in person or virtual — must cease their activity and await further guidance.”¹

This sudden directive, following President Trump’s executive order to withdraw from WHO, has surprised experts and is expected to hinder efforts to combat global health threats such as Marburg virus, mpox, and bird flu. The abrupt cessation of cooperation affects all forms of engagement, including technical working groups and advisory boards. The executive order requires Congressional approval and fulfillment of financial obligations before the U.S. can officially leave WHO. The halt in collaboration is part of broader measures, including a freeze on the PEPFAR program, which has been critical in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.²

Sources:

¹Sun, LH. (2025, January 27). The Washington Post. CDC is ordered to immediately cease engagement with WHO. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/01/27/trump-presidency-news/#link-PNY2UHHRDFBXFBRQW5IXX3ZW44

²Stobbe, M. (2025, January 27). AP News. CDC ordered to stop working with WHO immediately, upending expectations of an extended withdrawal. https://apnews.com/article/cdc-who-trump-548cf18b1c409c7d22e17311ccdfe1f6