Synopsis
The WHO expressed disappointment over Trump's decision to withdraw from the organization, urging the US to reconsider for global health benefits. Experts are concerned about the implications for pandemic preparedness and biosecurity.Key Takeaways
- WHO expresses regret over Trump's withdrawal decision.
- Hopes for US reconsideration for global health.
- Trump cites WHO's mishandling of Covid as a reason.
- The US has been a founding member since 1948.
- Global health experts voice concerns on withdrawal.
New Delhi, Jan 21 (NationPress) The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed its disappointment on Tuesday regarding President Donald Trump’s choice to exit the global health organization, urging the administration to rethink this significant decision.
In an official statement, the WHO remarked, “The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.”
The organization further stated its hope that the US would “reconsider” this decision, which impacts the health and well-being of millions across the globe.
Following his second-term inauguration, Trump enacted an executive order for withdrawal, citing the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the Covid pandemic and asserting that the agency demanded “unfairly onerous payments” from the US compared to contributions from other larger nations like China.
The WHO highlighted its pivotal role in safeguarding the health and security of people worldwide, including those in the United States. This has been accomplished through “targeting the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing, and responding to health emergencies.”
It is important to note that the US was a founding member of the WHO since 1948 and has actively participated in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board alongside 193 other member states.
The WHO emphasized that over the past 70 years, “WHO and the US have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.”
According to the health agency, “Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication.” It also stated that American institutions have both contributed to and benefited from their WHO membership.
Moreover, the WHO has undertaken the largest set of reforms in its history over the past seven years, aimed at enhancing accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in various countries. This work continues.
In response, several global health experts have voiced their concerns regarding Trump’s executive order to withdraw from the WHO, stating that it means “all personnel and contractors will be stopped.” Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans from Erasmus University in the Netherlands remarked on social media, “Withdraw from the pandemic treaty negotiations. Anyone cheering this has no idea of global health.”
Vaccine researcher Prof Peter Hotez described the decision as “disappointing.” He asserted, “This will weaken our nation’s biosecurity/pandemic preparedness at a time when pathogens like H5N1, SARS-like CoVs, dengue/arboviruses are accelerating because of climate change/urbanization.”
