Professor Maria do Rosário O. Martins is a coauthor of a recently published article in the scientific journal The Lancet, which highlights the challenges and opportunities arising from the United States’ decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The article, written by a group of public health experts from various European institutions, underscores the impact of the U.S. withdrawal—a country that has been one of WHO’s main financial contributors and a key provider of hundreds of specialists. This exit could create both financial and knowledge gaps, directly affecting the global response to public health crises.
However, the authors argue that this situation presents an opportunity for the European Union and other high-income countries to take the lead in shaping global health policies. The article emphasizes the need for increased financial support and the deployment of experts to WHO, ensuring that the organization continues to play a crucial role in responding to pandemics, natural disasters, and global health promotion.
Professor Maria do Rosário O. Martins’ contribution to this work reflects GHTM | IHMT-NOVA’s commitment to global health challenges, reinforcing the need for a coordinated international response to strengthen WHO and safeguard its ability to act in an increasingly interconnected world.
The full article is available in The Lancet: DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00264-8