Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) today regretted the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization. “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, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe,” a WHO release stated.
This is not the first time that the US announced snapping ties with WHO. During President Donald Trump’s first term also, the United States severed its ties with the World Health Organization (WHO), attributing the global fatalities and devastation from the COVID-19 pandemic to the organization and China. Trump then said on May 29, 2020, that funding previously allocated to the WHO would be redirected to other international public health entities. Additionally, Trump had revealed a range of measures targeting China, including a proclamation to restrict entry for specific Chinese nationals and the imposition of stricter regulations on Chinese investments in the United States.
WHO today said it plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go. It reminded Trump that the United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.
“For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO,” the WHO press release said. It added that with the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform its accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. “This work continues,” it said.
– global bihari bureau
