Former US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to initiate the process of withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO).
“This is a big one,” Trump remarked as he approved the order shortly after returning to the White House. The action was one of several executive orders signed on his first day back in office.
This marks the second time Trump has attempted to pull the US out of the WHO. During his first term, he criticized the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and began the withdrawal process, a decision that was later reversed by President Joe Biden.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Group and Receive Daily News
Trump cited the WHO’s “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic originating in Wuhan, China,” its failure to implement necessary reforms, and its susceptibility to “political influence” from member states as reasons for the withdrawal. The executive order also highlighted the “unfair financial burden” placed on the US, which remains the organization’s largest contributor, providing nearly 20% of its $6.8 billion annual budget in 2023.
In the Oval Office, Trump hinted at the possibility of rejoining the WHO in the future, stating, “They wanted us back so badly, so we’ll see what happens.”
Critics of the decision, including public health experts, have expressed concern about the potential impact on global health initiatives and the US’s scientific leadership. They warn the move could undermine efforts to combat diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
Global health expert Lawrence Gostin called the decision “cataclysmic,” emphasizing that it would harm both international health efforts and the US’s standing in global health leadership. Similarly, Ashish Jha, former COVID-19 response coordinator under President Biden, cautioned that leaving the WHO could have far-reaching consequences, jeopardizing both global and American public health progress.
Also Read: Authorities Launch Investigations as Anthrax Kills Two in Kazo
