US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to begin the process of withdrawing the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), despite warnings that this could "threaten global and US health and security".
The order said the US was withdrawing "due to the organisation's 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" (Source: BBC)
Responding to the announcement, the World Health Organization commented: "WHO 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.
"The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board. For over seven decades, WHO and the US have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership of WHO.
"With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues. We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the US and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe."
Health experts have also pointed out that the withdrawal could have negative impacts on the US. Lawrence Gostin, professor of public health law at Georgetown University, commented on X that: “Trump could be sowing the seeds for the next pandemic.” (Source: The Guardian)
Gostin has previously warned that such action could be "unlawful" and "threatens global and US health and security", pointing out that the US could be cut out of the global system to design vaccines. Gostin pointed out that the US health agencies and pharmaceutical companies rely on WHO data for vaccines and other therapies. (Source: The Lancet)
