In a significant geopolitical shift, US President Donald Trump’s executive order on the first day of his second term announced the country’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). While this move had been anticipated due to Trump’s previous criticisms of the WHO and the United States’ standing as the largest financial contributor, the speed at which this decision is being implemented has raised concerns. The decision to abruptly sever ties with the WHO, with no transition period, could have wide-reaching consequences, not only on global health but also on the dynamics of global health leadership. This presents a unique opportunity for India, a country with a rapidly growing public health sector, to step into a leadership role in the global health ecosystem and work with the WHO to fill the leadership vacuum left by the US.
The US Withdrawal and Its Implications
The United States, as the single-largest financial contributor to the World Health Organization, is responsible for nearly a fifth of WHO’s operating expenses. In comparison, India contributes a much smaller share—around a tenth of the US contribution. This funding is critical to WHO’s operations, as it supports a wide range of health initiatives, from disease eradication campaigns to pandemic response, and supports the WHO’s role as the global health authority. The US withdrawal from the WHO is not just a financial loss but also a loss of expertise, as the United States has long provided technical and human resources to many of WHO’s initiatives. Trained US experts have been instrumental in developing public health strategies, managing outbreaks, and providing technical support to low- and middle-income countries.
As the US steps away, the leadership vacuum within the WHO will require a strong player to step up, particularly from the global South. India, with its large and diverse population, robust public health infrastructure, and growing international influence, is uniquely positioned to take on this role. India’s growing prominence in global health discussions and its large contributions to health-related programs makes it an ideal candidate to lead global health initiatives, especially when faced with challenges like pandemics, chronic diseases, and rising health inequalities.
India’s Public Health Ecosystem
India’s health sector has grown significantly in recent years. The country has made substantial strides in tackling infectious diseases, increasing life expectancy, and improving access to basic healthcare services. India’s public health ecosystem is built on a foundation of a vast network of healthcare professionals, research institutions, and government policies aimed at expanding healthcare access to all segments of society.
India’s experience in combating infectious diseases, especially in rural and remote areas, has provided it with valuable lessons in managing large-scale health crises. India’s successful efforts in eradicating polio, controlling tuberculosis, and improving maternal and child health have made the country a model for other nations. Additionally, India’s growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors have established the country as a leader in the production of affordable medicines and vaccines. India’s leadership in the fight against COVID-19, through mass vaccination campaigns and its ability to ramp up vaccine production, further underscores the country’s capacity to respond to global health challenges.
However, despite these achievements, India’s health system continues to face challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, high out-of-pocket expenditure, and rising non-communicable diseases. The country’s population continues to grow, and there are large disparities in health outcomes across different regions and socio-economic groups. Addressing these challenges requires both domestic and international collaboration, and India can play a critical role in shaping the global health agenda.
A Growing Role in Global Health
India’s growing influence in global health is evident in several recent initiatives. As a member of the World Health Assembly (WHA), India has consistently advocated for universal health coverage, equitable access to medicines, and the importance of health as a driver of economic growth. India has also been actively involved in global initiatives such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the GAVI Alliance, and the Global Vaccine Safety Initiative. These platforms provide India with the opportunity to shape global health policies and collaborate with other countries to address common health challenges.
India’s leadership in digital health and traditional medicine further strengthens its position as a key player in global health. The country’s growing expertise in digital health solutions, including telemedicine, mobile health applications, and health data analytics, has made it a hub for innovation in healthcare technology. Additionally, India’s rich history in traditional medicine, including Ayurveda and yoga, provides an opportunity to integrate complementary and alternative healthcare systems into the global health conversation.
India’s growing soft power and diplomatic reach in the global arena also make it an attractive partner for countries seeking support in strengthening their health systems. India has long been a leader in South-South cooperation, providing technical assistance and capacity-building support to neighboring countries in Asia and Africa. Through partnerships with organizations like the WHO, India has the opportunity to expand its role in global health and strengthen its influence on health policy and governance.
The Strategic Opportunity
India’s increased engagement with the WHO and other global health organizations could lead to several strategic opportunities. Firstly, India can expand its influence on global health governance by taking a leadership role in key WHO initiatives. As the US withdraws from the organization, India can fill the void by stepping up as a strong advocate for equitable access to healthcare, global health security, and addressing the social determinants of health. India’s strong track record in public health could inspire confidence among other countries and ensure that the WHO remains a credible and effective global health institution.
Secondly, India’s leadership in public health can help drive innovation in health systems. The country’s experience in implementing large-scale health programs, such as the National Health Mission and the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, positions it as a model for other countries seeking to improve their health systems. India can work with the WHO to promote universal health coverage, strengthen health systems in low- and middle-income countries, and ensure that everyone, regardless of income or geography, has access to quality healthcare.
India’s expertise in digital health and telemedicine can also be leveraged to improve global health outcomes. As the WHO and other organizations work to strengthen health systems worldwide, India’s innovations in digital health solutions could help address the challenges of healthcare delivery, particularly in remote and underserved areas. By expanding the use of telemedicine, mobile health applications, and electronic health records, India can contribute to the digital transformation of healthcare systems worldwide.
Finally, India’s strong ties with other emerging economies, such as Brazil, South Africa, and China, give it the ability to promote South-South cooperation in global health. Through these partnerships, India can support the WHO’s efforts to strengthen health systems in the developing world and ensure that health is prioritized on the global agenda. As the US steps back from global health leadership, India can position itself as the voice of the global South, advocating for equitable health policies and solutions that benefit all countries, regardless of income or development status.
The withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization presents a unique opportunity for India to step up and take a leadership role in global health. India’s growing public health infrastructure, expertise in digital health, and leadership in traditional medicine make it a natural candidate to fill the leadership void left by the US. By increasing its engagement with the WHO and other global health organizations, India can help shape the future of global health, ensuring that health systems worldwide are strengthened, equitable access to healthcare is prioritized, and global health security is enhanced. This is an opportunity for India not only to contribute to the global health agenda but also to build its reputation as a global health leader, benefiting both its own population and the broader international community.
