President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday formalising the withdrawal of the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This decision revives an initiative from his first term, which never materialised due to the arrival of Joe Biden to the presidency in 2021.
In his justification, Trump emphasised that the United States contributes considerably more to WHO funding than countries such as China, which he considered unfair. He recalled that, during his first term, the US contributed $500 million annually, while China contributed only $39 million.
Despite the WHO‘s attempts to reduce US contributions in an attempt to reintegrate the country, Trump rejected any agreement.
Criticism of WHO Management and the COVID-19 Pandemic
In his speech, Trump also highlighted the WHO‘s mishandling of global health crises, especially the Covid-19 pandemic. According to him, the organisation failed to implement essential reforms and did not show the independence needed to make decisions without outside political influence.
The executive order, which will become effective in the next 12 months, stresses that the WHO ‘demands unfair payments’ from the US, contributing to its ultimate decision to leave the institution.
On the other hand, the WHO regretted Trump’s decision and called on him to reconsider his position. The organisation recalled the crucial role it has played in protecting global health, including that of Americans, and called for constructive dialogue to continue its mission.
With information from EFE and Europa Press.
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