WHO asks US to reconsider withdrawing membership

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regrets over the planned exit of the United States of America (USA) from the global health body.

WHO urged the US to reconsider its decision and maintain their partnership for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.

US President, Donald Trump, on Monday, after his inauguration, signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the WHO, a body he has repeatedly criticized over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The US, the largest donor to WHO, provides substantial financial support vital to WHO operations.

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Reacting to the development, WHO stated 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.

The UN body noted that for over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.

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 our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries.

“Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership of WHO,” WHO said.

‘WHO 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.

“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.”