CDC Directed to Cease Collaboration with WHO Immediately, Memo Reveals
The choice was made after Trump authorized an order signaling that the United States would exit the global health organization.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials received directives to cease their collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) immediately, as outlined in a memorandum distributed this week.
On Sunday, John Nkengasong, a CDC representative, sent a memo to senior agency leaders stating that all staff members collaborating with the WHO must halt their efforts and “await further instructions.”
The halt directive issued by Nkengasong applies to “all CDC personnel engaging with WHO via technical working groups, coordinating centers, advisory boards, cooperative agreements, or other methods—both in-person and virtual,” and prohibits staff from visiting WHO locations.
Fink noted that certain communications affecting “critical health, safety, environmental, financial, or national security functions” would be exempt, but would require prior review.
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The order targeting the CDC is not the only action taken by Trump involving the federal health agency. He also halted funding for an anti-HIV program initiated by President George W. Bush several years ago. This was part of a broader suspension of foreign aid for a minimum of 90 days.
According to Trump’s directive indicating the United States would depart from the WHO, there is a 12-month notice period during which the country must withdraw and cease all financial inputs toward the organization’s operations. The order to disengage from the WHO will not take effect immediately as it requires Congressional approval, and the United States must fulfill its financial commitments to the WHO for the ongoing fiscal year.
Trump appointed Fink, an endocrinologist and seasoned civil servant who previously led the HHS Office on Women’s Health, as interim HHS secretary while the Senate reviews Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to head the agency. Kennedy is set for his first Senate committee hearing this week.
Additionally, Trump has appointed former Florida Republican Congressman Dave Weldon, a medical doctor, to lead the CDC and chosen Johns Hopkins surgeon Marty Makary to direct the FDA. These appointments also require Senate confirmation.
Last week, Trump confirmed he had revoked Secret Service protection for Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former long-time director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who served as a presidential advisor during the COVID-19 crisis.
When questioned about this decision on January 24 in North Carolina, Trump told reporters, “You can’t have a security detail for the rest of your life because you worked for the government.”
The Epoch Times reached out to both WHO and the CDC for comments on Monday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
