NEW YORK/LONDON/GENEVA, Jan 21 (Reuters) - President Trump announced on Monday that the United States would be withdrawing from the World Health Organization. He criticized the global health agency for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other international health crises.
Trump highlighted the WHO's alleged lack of independence from the "inappropriate political influence of WHO member states" and its requirement for "unfairly onerous payments" from the U.S. compared to contributions from other larger countries, such as China.
During the executive order signing, Trump expressed, "World Health ripped us off, everybody rips off the United States. It's not going to happen anymore." The withdrawal comes shortly after his inauguration to a second term.
The WHO responded on Tuesday, expressing regret over the decision made by its top donor country. WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic stated, "We hope that the United States will reconsider, and we really hope that there will be constructive dialogue for the benefit of everyone, for Americans but also for people around the world."
The withdrawal process sets a 12-month notice period for the U.S. to cease its involvement with the United Nations health agency and halt all financial contributions. The U.S., as the largest financial contributor, provides approximately 18% of the WHO's budget.
Various experts, both inside and outside the WHO, warn that the U.S. departure jeopardizes essential programs of the organization, particularly those addressing global health crises like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other emergencies.
Lawrence Gostin, a global health professor at Georgetown University, expressed concern, "This is the darkest day for global health I’ve ever experienced. Trump could be sowing the seeds for the next pandemic."
As part of the withdrawal, negotiations on the WHO pandemic treaty will cease, U.S. government personnel working with the WHO will be recalled, and the U.S. government will seek alternative partners to continue necessary WHO activities.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the next-largest donor to the WHO, emphasized its commitment to strengthening, not weakening, the WHO, mostly focusing on polio eradication. The foundation's chief executive Mark Suzman reiterated this stance.
China, a key player in global health governance, stressed the importance of reinforcing the WHO's role in global health cooperation while expressing ongoing support for the organization.
Trump's decision to withdraw from the WHO was anticipated, as he initiated the process during his first term, alleging the WHO's support for China's misinformation about COVID's origins.
The WHO denies the accusations and continues efforts to urge China to share data for determining the virus's origins. According to U.S. law, withdrawal from the WHO involves a one-year notice period and payment of any outstanding fees.
Before the completion of the U.S. withdrawal, Joe Biden assumed office and halted the process on his first day as president on Jan. 20, 2021.