The United States will leave the World Health Organization (WHO), President Donald Trump announced on Monday, citing the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. The decision is likely to have significant implications for global public health and international relations.
Trump accused the WHO of being “too slow” to respond to the pandemic and of being under the control of China, which he claimed was “ripping off” the United States. He also criticized the organization’s management and structure, saying it was “broken” and needed to be reformed.
The WHO has denied the allegations, and its director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has expressed regret over the decision. The organization has received support from other countries, including the European Union, which has called on the United States to reconsider its decision.
The US withdrawal from the WHO will take place over a 12-month period, during which the US will stop making financial contributions to the organization. The US is the largest funder of the WHO, accounting for around 18% of its budget.
Experts have warned that the withdrawal could have negative consequences for global public health, particularly in the areas of pandemic preparedness and response. The WHO has also expressed concern about the potential impact of the withdrawal on its programs and staff.
The decision has been met with criticism from both inside and outside the US, with many arguing that it is a short-sighted and counterproductive move. However, some have supported the decision, citing concerns about the WHO’s effectiveness and the need for greater international cooperation on health issues.
Conclusion:
The US withdrawal from the WHO is a significant development in the global health landscape, with far-reaching implications for public health, international relations, and the future of global cooperation on health issues. While the decision has been met with criticism and concern, it also presents an opportunity for the US to rethink its approach to global health and to work with other countries to address the challenges facing the world today.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is the US leaving the WHO?
A: The US is leaving the WHO due to concerns about the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises, as well as concerns about its management and structure.
Q: What is the impact of the US withdrawal on the WHO?
A: The withdrawal will have a significant impact on the WHO, including the loss of a major funder and a reduction in its capacity to respond to global health crises.
Q: How will the US withdrawal affect global public health?
A: The withdrawal could have negative consequences for global public health, particularly in the areas of pandemic preparedness and response. It could also undermine international cooperation on health issues and create uncertainty and instability in the global health landscape.
Q: What is the reaction to the US withdrawal?
A: The reaction to the US withdrawal has been mixed, with some countries expressing concern and criticism, while others have supported the decision or called for a rethink. The WHO has expressed regret over the decision and has called on the US to reconsider.