WHO regrets US withdrawal, urges Trump to reconsider his decision
WHO added that it remains committed to its mission of safeguarding public health, whether or not all member countries are part of the organisation, but stresses the importance of continued cooperation to address ongoing global health emergencies and improve health systems worldwide.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is urging the United States to reconsider withdrawing from the global health body. It insists on the critical partnership the two have shared for over 70 years in protecting public health worldwide.
In a statement on Tuesday, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of WHO, expressed his deep regret over the US announcement and highlighted the organisation's vital role in addressing global health challenges.
More To Read
- US withdrawal from WHO sparks alarm among nations over risks to global health
- Tanzania confirms outbreak of Marburg virus
- WHO: The ceasefire in Gaza brings hope, but immense challenges lie ahead to restore the health system
- WHO says 8 dead in suspected outbreak of Marburg virus disease in Tanzania's Kagera region
"WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans. This includes tackling the root causes of diseases, building stronger health systems, and responding to health emergencies," Tedros said.
On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that he was withdrawing the US from the World Health Organisation, in a move that drew criticism from public health experts on his first day back in the White House.
Trump has long criticised the United Nations health agency, and his administration formally began withdrawing from the WHO in July 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to spread.
But four years ago, former President Joe Biden halted the US exit from the body tasked with coordinating the international response to health emergencies in one of his first actions after taking over the White House.
But Monday's executive order reversed this citing the "organisation's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states," as reasons for the US withdrawal.
Since its founding in 1948, the United States has been a key member of WHO, collaborating alongside 193 other nations to shape the organisation's work and make significant strides in global health.
Dr Tedros pointed out that joint efforts between the US and WHO have resulted in major achievements, such as the eradication of smallpox and the near elimination of polio.
These partnerships have saved millions of lives worldwide, including those in the United States.
"The United States has been an integral part of WHO's success. Together, we have achieved significant milestones in global health, and American institutions have contributed greatly to and benefited from WHO membership," Tedros noted.
He added that the US's participation has helped WHO undergo its largest reforms in history over the past seven years, improving accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries around the world. In light of this long history of collaboration, Dr. Tedros expressed hope that the US would reconsider its decision.
"We hope the United States will reconsider, and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO. This partnership is crucial for the health and well-being of millions of people globally," Tedros added.
WHO added that it remains committed to its mission of safeguarding public health, whether or not all member countries are part of the organisation, but stresses the importance of continued cooperation to address ongoing global health emergencies and improve health systems worldwide.
Top Stories Today
