The World Health Organization (WHO) has conveyed optimism that US President Donald Trump may reverse his decision to withdraw the United States from the agency, as stated in a release on Tuesday.
“The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization,” read the statement from WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
On his first day back in office on Monday, Trump signed an executive order formalizing the withdrawal from the United Nations health agency.
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He cited reasons including its alleged “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states.”
WHO’s statement underscored its critical role in addressing global health challenges, stating that it “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.”
It also emphasized the historical connection, clearly stating that the United States was a founding member of the organization in 1948.
“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 wellbeing of millions of people around the globe,” the agency stated.
