The World Health Organization “regrets” US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the country from WHO, and hopes he will “reconsider”.
The above information was stated on the organization’s official website on January 21. According to WHO, with the participation of the US and other member states, over the past 7 years, this organization has implemented the largest reforms in history to promote accountability (on epidemics), increase cost-effectiveness and impact across countries.
“This work continues. We hope the United States reconsiders its decision. We look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the United States and WHO, for the benefit of public health.” health and happiness of the world’s people,” the United Nations health agency said.
WHO affirms its important role in protecting global health and security, including that of Americans. The agency addresses the root causes of disease, builds strong health systems, responds to health crises, and prevents epidemics in dangerous areas.
As a founding member since 1948, the US has participated in shaping and supporting the work of WHO, contributing to saving millions of lives globally. “Together, we have eradicated smallpox and brought polio to the threshold of eradication. The US contributes and benefits from being a member of WHO,” the organization commented.
Logo of the World Health Organization (WHO) at its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Image: Reuters
During the inauguration ceremony on January 21, President Donald Trump officially signed a decree withdrawing the US from WHO. He said that the United Nations health agency “wrongly responded to Covid-19” and “did not adopt the necessary reforms” to handle this pandemic. He commented that the WHO asked the US to “pay unfairly high costs”, while China’s payment was less. The decree also states that WHO continues to request the US to pay excessive amounts of money, disproportionate to payments made by other countries.
Theo Washington Postthis move was not unexpected. Trump has criticized the WHO since 2020, disagreeing with the organization’s approach to Covid-19 and threatening to stop US aid. In July 2020, Mr. Trump officially took steps to withdraw from WHO. But after losing the race for the White House, this process was left open. On his first day in office, January 20, 2021, former President Joe Biden blocked this decree.
Loss of funding from the United States could be a barrier to WHO’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to infectious disease outbreaks and other emergencies around the world.
According to the latest data published by WHO, the US has funded 1.28 billion USD in the period 2022-2023, including 218 million USD in mandatory contributions, 1.02 billion USD in voluntary contributions, 47 million USD in for emergency reserve fund.
Compared to the US, China contributed a total of 157 million USD in the same period, of which 115 million USD was mandatory contribution.
During these two years, the total budget approved by WHO was 10.4 billion USD, of which the US accounted for 12%-15%, the highest level.
In recent years, WHO has provided a common information portal for member countries, supporting the gene sequencing of viruses and the approval of drugs and disease therapies.