THE United States has formally exited the World Health Organization (WHO), finalizing a process that began with a year of warnings and debate over the country’s role in global health.
The move, announced by the US Health and State Departments, comes after the Trump administration accused the WHO of mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Donald Trump gave notice that the US would quit the organization on the first day of his presidency in 202.
The US will now limit its cooperation with the agency and work directly with other countries on disease surveillance and public health priorities.
Under US law, the government was expected to give a year’s notice and settle outstanding dues, estimated at US$260 million.
However, a State Department official argued that payment was not a precondition for withdrawal, saying: “The American people have paid more than enough.”
The US was previously the WHO’s largest financial contributor, providing about 18 percent of its budget.
The withdrawal has triggered a financial crisis for the agency, forcing it to halve its management team and reduce staff by a quarter.
These cuts are expected to impact the WHO’s global health initiatives.
The US flag had also been removed from outside the WHO headquarters in Geneva, according to witnesses.
Global health experts warn that the US departure could undermine international efforts to detect and respond to health threats.
Kelly Henning, public health lead at Bloomberg Philanthropies, said the move could weaken vital systems and collaborations worldwide.
Source PACNEWS