Germany has announced its intention to urge US President Donald Trump to rethink his decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization.
In a statement released by the German Health Minister, Karl Lauterbach, he described Trump’s move as a “serious blow to the international fight against global health crises.”
“Without the US’ contribution to WHO, it will be much more difficult to help countries affected by outbreaks of infectious diseases or environmental disasters,” Lauterbach said.
“Many programs to combat the consequences of famine, war and natural disasters are paid for with these funds”, he further stated.
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The minister further highlighted the significant impact such a withdrawal could have on vulnerable populations. “Hundreds of thousands of people, including children, would be put at risk should the US withdraw from WHO. We will try to persuade Donald Trump to reconsider this decision,” he added.
Despite the situation, Lauterbach affirmed Germany’s commitment to working with the United States on health matters. “We will continue to work closely with the US on global health issues. Global health security is in the interest of all nations – including the USA,” he noted.
Tribune online reports that Trump signed an executive order on Monday, his first day back in office, to withdraw the US from the prestigious United Nations health agency.
He justified the decision by citing 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.”
(CNN)
