The Impact of US Withdrawal from WHO and Taiwan’s Opportunities
On January 22, 2026, the United States will officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision stemming from President Donald Trump’s dissatisfaction with WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. This move will not only affect global public health governance but may also create new international opportunities for Taiwan.
U.S. Discontent with WHO and the Decision to Withdraw
As WHO’s largest donor, the United States has long played a crucial role in international public health. However, the Trump administration criticized WHO for being overly influenced by China and for its failure to provide timely and transparent information during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the International Health Regulations (IHR), WHO is responsible for providing accurate information and coordinating global responses to health crises. The U.S. government, however, believes that WHO failed in this duty, leading to its decision to withdraw and reevaluate global health cooperation models.
Impact on Global Health Governance
The US withdrawal will have a significant impact on WHO’s funding and operations. According to WHO’s financial reports, the U.S. contributed $1.284 billion to WHO’s budget during the 2022-2023 biennium, making up a crucial part of its total funding. The loss of US financial support could hinder WHO’s efforts in disease surveillance, vaccine development, and emergency medical response. Additionally, it may provide an opportunity for other countries, such as China, to expand their influence within WHO.
Taiwan’s Opportunity: Establishing a New International Health Organization
While the US withdrawal poses challenges to global public health cooperation, it may serve as a strategic opportunity for Taiwan. Despite being excluded from WHO due to political reasons, Taiwan’s outstanding healthcare system and public health management capabilities have long been recognized by the international community. Taiwan’s swift and effective response to COVID-19 was widely praised worldwide.
If the US decides to establish a new international health organization, Taiwan could have the opportunity to become a founding member and exert influence. Taiwan’s medical expertise, vaccine research, and disease prevention experience would be valuable assets to such an organization. For instance, the US and G7 countries could consider forming a “Global Health Alliance,” inviting Taiwan to participate as a means to replace WHO’s functions while ensuring greater transparency and fairness in international health decision-making.
Conclusion
The US withdrawal from WHO will reshape global health governance, presenting both challenges and opportunities. For Taiwan, this is an opportunity to showcase its medical expertise and break through international isolation. Moving forward, Taiwan should actively collaborate with the US and its allies to seek a fairer and more transparent global health governance model, contributing more significantly to global health security.
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美國退出世界衛生組織的影響與台灣的機遇
2026年1月22日，美國將正式退出世界衛生組織（WHO），這一決定源自美國總統川普對WHO在COVID-19疫情及其他國際衛生危機處理上的不滿。此舉不僅影響全球公共衛生治理，也可能對台灣帶來新的國際機遇。
美國對WHO的不滿與退出決定
美國作為WHO最大的捐助國，長期以來在國際公共衛生領域發揮關鍵作用。然而，川普政府批評WHO在COVID-19疫情期間對中國的態度過於偏袒，未能及時、透明地公布疫情資訊，導致全球防疫失當。根據《國際衛生條例》（International Health Regulations, IHR），WHO應在全球疫情爆發時提供準確資訊，協調國際應對策略。然而，美國政府認為WHO未能履行此責任，因此決定退出並重新評估全球衛生合作模式。
對全球衛生治理的影響
美國的退出將對WHO的資金與運作造成衝擊。根據WHO的財務報告，美國在2022-2023年間對WHO的貢獻達12.84億美元，占WHO總預算的重要部分。失去美國資金，可能使WHO在疾病監測、疫苗開發、緊急醫療應變等方面面臨困境。此外，這也可能導致其他國家，如中國，在WHO內部擁有更大的影響力。
台灣的機遇：建立新國際衛生組織
美國的退出，雖然對全球公共衛生合作帶來挑戰，但對台灣而言，卻可能是一個戰略機遇。台灣雖然因政治因素長期被排除在WHO之外，但其卓越的醫療體系和公共衛生管理能力，早已獲得國際社會的認可。例如，台灣在COVID-19期間的快速應對與精準防疫措施，贏得了全球的讚譽。
美國若選擇建立一個新的國際衛生組織，台灣將有機會成為創始成員，發揮影響力。台灣的醫療技術、疫苗研發、疾病防控經驗可成為該組織的重要資產。例如，美國與G7國家可考慮成立「全球健康聯盟」（Global Health Alliance），邀請台灣參與，以取代現有WHO的功能，並確保國際衛生決策更為透明、公正。
結論
美國退出WHO將改變全球衛生治理格局，帶來新的挑戰與機遇。對台灣而言，這是一個向國際社會展現醫療實力的契機，亦可藉此突破國際孤立的困境。未來，台灣應積極與美國及其他盟國合作，尋求更公平、透明的全球衛生治理模式，為全球健康安全作出更大貢獻。
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