CDC Ordered to End WHO Collaboration [Video]

Key Takeaways

CDC staff have been told to stop all communication with WHO, per Trump’s executive orderExperts warn the move could have a huge impact on global health responsesGlobal collaboration and cooperation are key to fighting outbreaks such as bird flu

TUESDAY, Jan. 28, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Staff at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been told to stop communication with the World Health Organization (WHO), in the wake of President Donald Trump’s order withdrawing from the health agency.

The memo was sent late Sunday from the CDC’s deputy director of global health, Dr. John Nkengasong.

“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,” the memo states.

The decision stems from Trump’s Jan. 20 executive order, which states that the U.S. provided notice …