Indonesian Official Urged US to Rejoin WHO
The Indonesian health minister called for American participation as he campaigns for the WHO director-general role.
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 request comes as he campaigns to replace current director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Why it matters
The United States withdrew from the organization in 2026, resulting in significant budget cuts. Sadikin noted that individual nations lack the capacity to address global pandemics without a unified international health body.
There are 6 candidates competing for the WHO director-general position, representing Indonesia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Botswana, and Belgium. The WHO has faced financial instability since its top donor withdrew in January 2026.
The players
Budi Gunadi Sadikin
He is the current health minister of Indonesia and a candidate for the position of WHO director-general.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
He serves as the United States Secretary of Health.
Prabowo Subianto
He is the President of Indonesia who nominated Sadikin for the international leadership role.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
He is the current director-general of the World Health Organization whose term is being contested.
The details
Budi Gunadi Sadikin, who was nominated for the post by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, emphasized the importance of collective global action in managing health crises. The organization is currently navigating the transition period following the departure of the United States from its member list.
Timeline
The United States withdrew from the WHO in January 2026.
The WHO will announce the final list of nominations for the director-general in October 2026.
Member states are scheduled to vote for the new director-general in May 2027.
The Big Picture
This campaign for leadership is directly shaped by the 2026 United States withdrawal from the World Health Organization. The current vacancy race forces candidates to address the institutional fragility and funding crisis triggered by that departure.
Global health policy decisions impact the distribution of vaccines, medical supplies, and international emergency response protocols. A shift in WHO leadership could dictate how future pandemics are managed and how resources are allocated to developing nations.
The takeaway
The election of a new director-general represents a critical juncture for the future of international health funding and strategy. Global observers should monitor the campaign platforms for commitments regarding pandemic preparedness and member state cooperation.
What happens next
The World Health Organization will officially announce the full slate of candidates for the director-general position in October 2026. A formal election process involving all member states is scheduled to conclude in May 2027.
Further reading
For broader context on international health governance, see our latest updates on COVID-19.
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