Indonesian Health Minister Urged US Return to WHO
The candidate for director-general argued that global collaboration is essential for managing future pandemic threats.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in COVID-19
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Indonesian health minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has called for the United States to rejoin the World Health Organization. The call comes as global health leaders prepare for a leadership transition within the agency.
Why it matters
The United States withdrew from the World Health Organization in January 2026, leading to significant budget cuts for the agency. Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that individual nations cannot effectively manage pandemic risks in isolation.
There are currently 6 candidates running for the director-general position, representing Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Botswana, and Belgium. The WHO is currently navigating the financial impact of the US withdrawal that occurred in January 2026.
The players
Budi Gunadi Sadikin
The health minister of Indonesia who is one of six candidates currently running for the position of World Health Organization director-general.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The current United States Secretary of Health.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
The current director-general of the World Health Organization who is stepping down from the role.
Prabowo Subianto
The President of Indonesia who nominated Budi Gunadi Sadikin for the international leadership position.
The details
The director-general of the World Health Organization is selected through a voting process involving member states following nominations by those states. The agency currently relies on member contributions, and the withdrawal of the United States has necessitated significant structural and budgetary adjustments to maintain global health monitoring. Candidates for the role are tasked with addressing these financial challenges while fostering international cooperation.
Timeline
The United States withdrew from the World Health Organization in January 2026.
The World Health Organization will announce all official nominations in October 2026.
Member states will hold a final vote for the new director-general in May 2027.
Health Landscape
The global health community is currently adjusting to the structural and fiscal changes initiated by the 2026 withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization. The upcoming leadership transition represents a critical juncture for defining the organization's future capacity for pandemic response.
Changes to international health funding and leadership can impact the consistency of global pandemic guidance and early warning systems. Readers should monitor these developments as they affect how nations coordinate on public health preventive habits and emergency access.
The takeaway
Global health management remains a complex, interconnected effort that relies on robust international cooperation. Tracking the leadership race and funding shifts at major health agencies is essential for understanding the future of global pandemic preparedness.
Further reading
For broader context on current agency operations, visit our COVID-19 resource section.
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Should the United States prioritize rejoining international health agencies to improve global pandemic response?
