CDC staff ordered to cut communications with WHO after Trump executive order

(CNN) — Staff at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have been ordered to stop communicating with the World Health Organization, according to a new memo, dealing a significant blow to global health efforts.The directive was made in accordance with President Donald Trump’s January 20& executive order& withdrawing the US from WHO, according to a memo sent late Sunday from CDC Deputy Director of Global Health Dr. John Nkengasong to senior agency leadership, a copy of which was obtained by CNN. It was first reported by the Associated Press.“Effective immediately all CDC staff engaging with WHO through technical working groups, coordinating centers, advisory boards, cooperative agreements or other means – in person or virtual – must cease their activity and await further guidance,” the memo says.The US is one of the largest funders of WHO, and federal law requires one year of notice before US support for the organization can be withdrawn.Trump’s order claims that legal notice of withdrawal was given during his first term, in 2020, so the withdrawal can happen immediately.The White House, the CDC, WHO and the US Department of Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment.“This move is reckless,...