Breaking: Reconsider your withdrawal, come for dialogue, WHO urges US

Few hours after US pulling out, the World Health Organisation(WHO) has expressed regret over the United States’ announcement to withdraw from the global health agency; urging it to reconsider the decision.

The organisation conveyed its stance through a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, highlighting its vital role in safeguarding global health, including the well-being of the American people.

The global health agency underscored its critical efforts in tackling the root causes of diseases, fortifying health systems, and providing emergency response in precarious settings where other entities are unable to operate.

Persecondnews reported that newly- inaugurated President Donald Trump on Monday after his swearing ceremony signed an executive order withdrawing the US from the WHO, citing the organization’s mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its failure to adopt necessary reforms as his reason.

The US had previously attempted to exit the global health body, with the Trump administration issuing a similar notice during his first term, alleging that WHO was overly influenced by China in its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That decision was later reversed by the administration of former President Joe Biden.

Trump’s new order instructs federal agencies to halt future funding and support to the WHO and instead identify trustworthy US and international partners to take over the WHO’s essential activities.

The administration also plans to review and potentially rescind President Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which focuses on preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats, with the goal of taking action as soon as possible.

Responding to Trump’s order, WHO, in its statement, emphasized the US’s significant contributions since it became a founding member in 1948.

The organisyation acknowledged the significant impact of US participation in shaping global health policies and initiatives, highlighting remarkable joint achievements such as the successful eradication of smallpox and the near eradication of polio.

It also highlighted the significant reforms implemented over the past seven years, aimed at boosting accountability, cost-effectiveness, and overall impact, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in global health.

The statement said: “The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has played an active role in shaping and governing WHO’s work alongside 193 other Member States.

“Together, we have saved countless lives and protected people from health threats. American institutions have greatly contributed to and benefited from WHO membership.

“We hope the United States will reconsider and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain this partnership, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”

Trump had embarked on a reform spree immediately after his swearing-in ceremony on Monday.

One of the reforms was his announcement that he will withdraw the US from the Paris climate deal.

Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Agreement during his first term, a process that took several years to complete, only to be swiftly reversed by President Biden in 2021.

America’s second withdrawal is expected to be a faster process, potentially taking only a year, as Trump won’t be bound by the deal’s initial three-year commitment.