Hours after his inauguration, the World Health Organization (WHO) lamented Tuesday Donald Trump&’ withdrawal of the United States from the group. WHO officials called for reassessment, stressing the need of cooperation in worldwide healthcare projects.
Citing financial irregularities and condemning WHO&’s management of the Covid-19 epidemic, Trump signed an executive order ordering the withdrawal. He stated at the White House, “World Health ripped us off,” noting the much greater contribution the US makes to the agency than China does.
The United States, the biggest donor, supplies essential finance for WHO activities. Responding, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic stressed the absolutely critical nature of the organization in worldwide health security as well as advantages to Americans. He said, “We hope the United States will rethink and engage in good dialogue to save this relationship for the wellness of millions.”
The choice is forecast to greatly disrupt international public health projects and cause major transformation within WHO. According to WHO’s regulations, the withdrawal will be finished in one year.
Trump has now tried twice to break his WHO links. During his first term, his first attempt charged the group of showing partiality toward China in early stages of the epidemic. Former President Joe Biden changed course on that action.
China responded by promising ongoing WHO aid. Said Guo Jiakun, foreign ministry spokesman, “The WHO’s responsibilities should only be strengthened, not diminished. China will help the WHO to carry out their duties and strive for worldwide health unity.”
The executive order of Trump also told American departments to stop financing the WHO and find other partners for worldwide health programs. It encompasses strategies to repeal the 2024 Global Health Security Strategy of President Biden, aimed at tackling infectious diseases.
The withdrawal was panned by public health professionals who cautioned of its worldwide effects. Former Obama administration health official Tom Frieden contended, “We cannot improve WHO by turning our backs on it.” Georgetown University professor Lawrence Gostin noted that the move risks US access to information on epidemic monitoring, which could then affect vaccine availability and national security.
The timing of the withdrawal coincide with increasing anxiety over the H5N1 bird flu epidemic, which has already resulted one death in the United States. Furthermore, member states of WHO are still negotiating the very first treaty on pandemic prevention, probably now to advance without American involvement.
