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The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), an association for infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals, expresses deep concern over the recent announcement by the Trump administration regarding its intent to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).

APIC President Dr. Carol McLay, DrPH, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, stated:

“APIC is disappointed in the announcement by the Trump administration to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO has long been a champion in leading efforts to drive infection prevention and control measures globally and a lynchpin in pandemic preparedness and response. The withdrawal will impact global health security, and the lack of a coordinated effort puts all nations at risk and weakens our combined efforts to combat infections.”

A coordinated international effort strengthens all nations’ ability to protect health and save lives, and APIC cautions that this decision could undermine critical global health response and diminish capacity to address future crises.

While APIC respects each Administration’s right to set and renegotiate global agreements, they believe infectious disease issues and pandemic preparedness should transcend political ideologies and global divisions. APIC is concerned that withdrawal from the WHO risks weakening international collaboration, which is built up over time and is essential for effective infection prevention and pandemic response.