Lancet Editor Criticizes US WHO Withdrawal as Self-Inflicted Problem
Richard Horton, the editor-in-chief of the prestigious medical journal The Lancet, has strongly criticized the United States' decision to officially withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), labeling it a self-inflicted problem for America and a significant loss for global health governance. Horton made these remarks during his visit to India for the launch of the Lancet Commission on a citizen-centred health system.
Financial and Leadership Void in Global Health
Speaking to The Indian Express, Horton emphasized that the US departure represents more than just a financial setback for the WHO. He stated, "It will be a great loss, not just financially, but in terms of leadership, engagement, knowledge and technical expertise that the US has brought to global health." The withdrawal, completed on January 22, 2026, was announced by the US Department of Health and Human Services and the US Department of State, citing the WHO's alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to adopt reforms, and susceptibility to political influence.
Criticism of Republican Lawmakers' Silence
Horton expressed particular disappointment with Republican lawmakers, noting that many senators understand the WHO's critical importance yet have remained silent. "Many Republican senators are fully aware of the critical importance of the World Health Organization, which makes it especially disappointing that more of them have not spoken up to defend America's role in global health," he remarked. This political inaction, according to Horton, exacerbates the negative impact of the withdrawal decision.
India's Potential for Greater Global Health Role
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, WHO's inaugural chief scientist, echoed concerns about the US exit, calling it a big loss while highlighting India's potential to assume a larger global health leadership role. She suggested that India could enhance its support to WHO through various means, including training programs, capacity building initiatives, local manufacturing of health products, and strengthening health research infrastructure.
Global Health Financing Crisis and Recalibration
Horton acknowledged that global health financing is currently in crisis following the US withdrawal, triggering what he described as a recalibration phase in global health architecture. "WHO has struggled following the US setback and all this has triggered a recalibration phase — a broader global health reset. As a result, there will be greater reliance on domestic resource mobilisation," he explained. Horton suggested this shift might have positive aspects, encouraging countries to invest more independently in their own health systems rather than depending primarily on international funding.
India's Progress and Remaining Challenges in Health Coverage
During his India visit, Horton praised the country's tremendous progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2047, particularly over the past two decades. However, he identified several critical gaps that require attention. "India must focus not only on expanding access to healthcare, but also on improving the quality of care," Horton advised. He highlighted out-of-pocket health expenditure as a major challenge and emphasized the need for better alignment between public and private health sectors.
Horton expressed confidence in India's capacity to increase health investments, noting the country's status as one of the world's fastest-growing economies and the clear political commitment to health system strengthening. The Lancet Commission launch in India aims to develop a citizen-centred health system framework that addresses these challenges while building on existing progress.
