After President Donald Trump's announcement of the US withdrawal from the global health body, the World Health Organisation, experts from across the world criticised and urged him to rethink his decision. The WHO expressed regret over Trump's decision and hoped that he would engage in a constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership.
Soon after swearing-in on Monday, Trump signed an executive order beginning the process of withdrawing the US from the WHO.
On many occasions, Trump has been critical of the WHO. During his first presidency, Trump sought to pull out from the US from the UN body, but Joe Biden reversed his decision. The executive order signed by Trump said the president was sending a presidential letter to the United Nations secretary-general to formally notify him of the US plan to withdraw.
"The World Health Organisation regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the organization," the apex global health body said in a statement.
"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," it stated.
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In protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans, WHO plays a very significant role, the statement added. Addressing the root cause of diseases, building stronger health systems and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places, where it's difficult for others to go, are some of the crucial roles played by the global health body.
In 1948, the United States was a founding member of WHO and has participated in shaping and governing its work ever since, alongside 193 other member states, through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board, the statement said.
"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," it said.
With the participation of the United States and other member states, WHO has over the past seven years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries, it said.
