As world Leaders face the realities of the change in US leadership, the World Health Organization this Tuesday expressed regrets over President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw his country from the UN agency, just hours after assuming office
Adressing Journalists in Geneva, WHO spokesperson, Tarik Jasarevic hoped that the new US Helmsman would reconsider this unpopular decision.
According to him, “WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans.
“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.”
Jasarevic however pointed out that it would take one year from the formal notification for the US to leave WHO, according to the rules in place.
Trump had on Monday 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.
Speaking at the White House hours after his inauguration, Trump said the United States was paying far more to the UN body compared to China, pointing out that “World Health ripped us off.”
The United States is the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization and she provides substantial financial support that is vital to the WHO’s operations.
The US withdrawal is expected to trigger a significant restructuring of the institution and could further disrupt global health initiatives.
Recall, this is the second time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO as he ha during his first term, issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the organization of being overly influenced by China during the pandemic’s early stages.
However, that move was later reversed under former president Joe Biden’s administration.
Jasarevic stressed that it would take one year from formal notification for the US to leave WHO, according to the rules in place.
