WHO ‘Regrets’ US Withdrawal Decision, Urges Trump to Reconsider”

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over the US decision to withdraw from the global health body and is urging former President Trump to reconsider the move.

The World Health Organization expressed regret on Tuesday over the decision by US President Donald Trump to withdraw his country from the UN agency shortly after assuming office, saying it hoped he would “reconsider.”

On Monday, Trump signed an executive order for the United States to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), a decision he justified by criticizing its management of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the White House just hours after his inauguration, Trump claimed that the United States was contributing much more to the UN organization than China did. He added, “World Health took advantage of us.”

The United States, as the largest contributor to the Geneva-based organization, offers significant financial backing that is essential for WHO’s operations.

The UN health agency expressed regret over the decision on Tuesday.

“WHO is vital in safeguarding the health and security of people globally, including Americans,” spokesman Tarik Jasarevic informed reporters in Geneva.

We are optimistic that the United States will reconsider and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to sustain the partnership between the USA and WHO, benefiting the health and well-being of millions worldwide.

The US withdrawal is anticipated to lead to a major restructuring of the institution and might further impact global health initiatives.

This is the second instance in which Trump has attempted to cut ties with the WHO.

During his first term, the United States announced its intention to withdraw from the organization, alleging that it was excessively influenced by China during the early stages of the pandemic.

That decision was subsequently overturned during the administration of former President Joe Biden.

Jasarevic emphasized that, according to the existing rules, it would take one year from formal notification for the US to withdraw from WHO.

China pledges assistance

A spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry stated that Beijing would maintain its support for the WHO.

Guo Jiakun expressed that the WHO’s role should be reinforced rather than diminished.

China will continue to support the WHO in carrying out its duties and strive towards creating a global community focused on health for all.

In his latest executive order, Trump instructed agencies to “halt any future transfers of U.S. Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” and to “identify credible and transparent partners both within the United States and internationally who can take over essential activities previously carried out by the WHO.”

The administration additionally revealed intentions to evaluate and revoke Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats, “as soon as practicable.”

Several experts voiced their disappointment over the withdrawal.

“We cannot enhance the effectiveness of WHO by abandoning it,” wrote Tom Frieden, a former senior health official under Barack Obama, on X.

Withdrawing undermines America’s influence, raises the threat of a deadly pandemic, and makes everyone less secure.

Some warned that if the United States withdraws from the organization, it will lose valuable access to crucial epidemic surveillance data. This could weaken its ability to monitor and prevent health threats originating from abroad.

“Lawrence Gostin, a professor of public health law at Georgetown University, wrote on X that ‘rather than being the first to receive vaccines, we will be last in line.’”

Leaving the WHO severely undermines U.S. security and diminishes our competitive advantage in innovation.

The US withdrawal is occurring during growing concerns about the pandemic potential of the ongoing bird flu outbreak (H5N1), which has infected several individuals and resulted in one fatality in the United States.

Meanwhile, since late 2021, WHO member states have been negotiating the world’s first treaty focused on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. These negotiations now appear poised to continue without the involvement of the United States.