Pew Research: How Americans View the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been a topic of debate in the United States, particularly in light of former President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the agency during his second administration. But what do Americans actually think about the WHO? Pew Research Center conducted surveys before Trump’s announcement, revealing four important findings about public opinion on the organization.
A Majority Believes WHO Membership Benefits the U.S.
More than half of Americans see value in being part of the WHO. In April 2024, 25% of U.S. adults said the country benefits “a great deal” from WHO membership, while another one-third said it benefits “a fair amount.” However, 38% of Americans believe the U.S. gains little to nothing from its involvement with the organization.
Support for WHO Membership Has Declined Since 2021
Public perception of the benefits of WHO membership has dropped since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2021 and 2024, the percentage of Americans who believe the U.S. benefits “a great deal” or “a fair amount” from WHO membership declined significantly, including an 8-percentage-point drop among those who see significant benefits. This shift may reflect changing priorities as the pandemic fades from immediate concern.
Sharp Partisan Divides Shape WHO Opinions
Political affiliation plays a major role in how Americans perceive the WHO. Nearly 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents believe the U.S. benefits from WHO membership, compared to only 38% of Republicans and Republican leaners. This 41-point gap is larger than the partisan divide on U.S. participation in the United Nations (36 points) or NATO (30 points). However, the gap has slightly narrowed since 2021 when it was 50 points.
Americans Rated WHO’s COVID-19 Response More Favorably Than the U.S. Government’s
In 2021, most Americans (55%) approved of how the WHO handled the COVID-19 pandemic. This rating was higher than the assessments of the U.S. (42%) or China (43%). Meanwhile, Germany (72%) and the European Union (61%) received even higher approval ratings for their pandemic response.
Why This Matters
Understanding public opinion on the WHO is crucial as the U.S. evaluates its role in global health governance. The agency plays a key role in addressing pandemics, disease prevention, and global health initiatives. Changes in U.S. involvement could impact not only international health policies but also domestic preparedness for future health crises. Moreover, the stark partisan divide highlights broader ideological disagreements over international cooperation, which may influence future policy decisions. As global health remains a pressing concern, these insights help policymakers and the public navigate the balance between national interests and international collaboration.