[Intro]
Who are you?
(To do what you do)
Who are you?
(Have you no clue)
Know clue
[Verse 1]
World health
(A great wealth)
Organize
(To keep us alive)
[Chorus]
Who are you?
(To do what you do)
Who are you?
(Have you no clue)
Know clue
[Bridge]
Who! Who! Who!
(Can you be true?)
Who! Who! Who!
(I’m calling on you)
[Verse 2]
You spread disease
(As though to please)
Want us all to die
(Oh, why, oh why?)
[Chorus]
Who are you?
(To do what you do)
Who are you?
(Have you no clue)
Know clue
[Bridge]
Who! Who! Who!
(Can you be true?)
Who! Who! Who!
(I’m calling on you)
[Chorus]
Who are you?
(To do what you do)
Who are you?
(Have you no clue)
Know clue
[Outro]
Who! Who! Who!
(Can be so cruel)
Who! Who! Who!
(Do you think you rule)
A SCIENCE NOTE
In January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order initiating the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
This action marks the second time the Trump administration has sought to exit the WHO. In July 2020, during his first term, President Trump began the withdrawal process, citing dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleging undue influence from China. However, this initial withdrawal was reversed in January 2021 by then-President Joe Biden.
The recent decision to withdraw has raised concerns among public health experts. They warn that the U.S. may lose access to critical information on emerging health threats and diminish its influence in global health policy. Additionally, the WHO faces a significant reduction in funding, as the U.S. has been one of its largest contributors.
Climate Change and Health Outcomes
The health consequences of climate change are vast and far-reaching, posing challenges to both life expectancy and quality of life:
- Increased Pollution and Respiratory Diseases
Air pollution remains the leading environmental contributor to premature death worldwide, and climate change worsens its impact. Higher temperatures intensify ground-level ozone and particulate matter, both of which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Wildfires—becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change—release massive amounts of toxic smoke, further degrading air quality and increasing respiratory illnesses.
- Cardiovascular Strain from Heat Waves
Heat waves, amplified by global warming, disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including the elderly, infants, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Heat-related cardiovascular strain is a growing concern, especially in regions unaccustomed to extreme temperatures.
- Zoonotic Diseases and Pandemics
Rising global temperatures and habitat disruptions are driving the spread of zoonotic diseases, as seen with increased cases of dengue fever, Lyme disease, and other vector-borne illnesses. This trend not only endangers public health but also imposes additional strain on already overstretched healthcare systems.
- Healthcare Supply Chain Disruptions
Severe weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, disrupt healthcare delivery by damaging infrastructure and supply chains. For instance, Hurricane Helene in 2024 caused a severe shortage of IV solutions, demonstrating how climate-related disruptions can ripple through the healthcare system with life-threatening consequences.