THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged the United States to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the global health body. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus responded on Monday to US President Donald Trump’s executive order, rejecting claims that the agency had failed in its duties and stressing the importance of continued US support.
According to AFP, Tedros addressed concerns raised by Trump’s order, including claims of mismanagement, financial burden, and political bias, as well as the WHO’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘We regret the decision and we hope the US will reconsider,’ Tedros said during the opening of the WHO’s executive board meeting.
WHO rejects claims of mismanagement and unfair payments
One of the key reasons cited for the US withdrawal was the WHO’s alleged failure to implement urgent reforms. Tedros countered this, stating that over the past seven years, the organisation had undergone “the deepest and most wide-ranging reforms in the organisation’s history.”
He also dismissed the claim that the WHO imposes unfair financial demands on the US, pointing out that efforts had been made to broaden its donor base. The agency has been working towards reducing its reliance on voluntary contributions, which currently make up most of its budget, in favour of regular membership fees.
The US has historically been the WHO’s largest donor, and its withdrawal will leave a significant funding gap, potentially affecting global health initiatives.
WHO defends its Covid-19 response
Trump’s executive order accused the WHO of mishandling the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Tedros defended the organisation’s actions, highlighting that it had swiftly alerted the world when early signs of a ‘viral pneumonia’ emerged in China. He detailed the WHO’s immediate efforts to publish guidelines, coordinate responses, and support countries in containing the virus.
‘Of course, there would be challenges and weaknesses,’ he admitted, but he emphasised that WHO had taken steps to address these issues. The agency had introduced initiatives such as the Pandemic Fund, the mRNA Technology Transfer Hub, and was currently working on a new pandemic agreement with member states.
WHO rejects allegations of political influence
Trump’s order also charged the WHO with failing to demonstrate independence from political influence. In response, Tedros insisted that the organisation operates impartially, aiming to serve all countries fairly.
‘When [countries] make demands on the agency which are not supported by scientific evidence, we say no, politely,’ he stated.
With the US playing a key role in global health initiatives, Tedros and other WHO officials continue to urge Washington to reconsider its withdrawal, stressing the impact such a decision could have on international public health efforts.
