Mr. Trump and World Health Organization Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
AFP on January 21 reported that President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO), an organization he has repeatedly criticized for its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the White House a few hours after the ceremony nAfter taking office, Mr. Trump said the US had spent more on this UN agency than China and added that “The World Health Organization has ripped off America”.
The United States is the largest donor to WHO, an organization headquartered in Geneva (Switzerland), providing significant financial support and playing an important role in WHO’s activities.
The US withdrawal is expected to cause significant restructuring of the organization and could further disrupt global health initiatives. This is the second time Mr. Trump has tried to cut ties with WHO.
During Mr. Trump’s first term, the US issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the organization of being overly influenced by China in the early stages of the pandemic.
The move was later reversed under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
In his new executive order, Mr. Trump directs agencies to “pause the transfer of any U.S. government funds, support, or resources to WHO” and “identify trustworthy and transparent partners of the WHO.” America and internationally to undertake the necessary activities that WHO has previously carried out.”
The US government also announced a plan to review and cancel as soon as possible the US Global Health Security Strategy 2024 of former President Joe Biden, which aims to prevent and detect and respond to infectious disease threats.
The timing of the US withdrawal from WHO comes amid growing concerns about the possibility of a pandemic outbreak of the avian flu (H5N1) outbreak, which has infected dozens of people and killed one person in the country. .
Meanwhile, WHO member states have been negotiating the world’s first treaty on pandemic prevention, preparedness and response since late 2021, negotiations are currently underway without with US participation.
WHO did not immediately comment on Mr. Trump’s order.
