In Geneva and Berlin on January 21, Berlin plans to dissuade U.S. President Donald Trump from his decision to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization, as stated by Germany's health minister.
The WHO expressed hope that the U.S., its main donor, would reverse its decision and anticipates a productive discussion with Trump's administration.
"The new U.S. president's announcement to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) is a serious blow to the international fight against global health crises," remarked Karl Lauterbach, emphasizing efforts to convince Trump to rethink the decision.
With Germany being the WHO's second-largest donor, contributing about 3% of its budget, the move announced by Trump on Monday criticized the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health emergencies.
In the WHO's initial response, spokesperson Tarik Jašarević conveyed in Geneva to journalists: "We hope that the United States will reconsider, and we genuinely anticipate a constructive dialogue for the benefit of all, both Americans and people globally."