The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the United States has been a solid partner in the fight against global health threats.
President Donald Trump fulfilled his pledge of pulling the US from the global health organisation on his first day in office Monday. Trump primarily cited the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 outbreak and mismanaging the global health crisis. During his first term, he initiated the process, but it was stopped by President Joe Biden.
WHO expressed regret at this decision, noting the critical contributions the US has made to global health initiatives over the decades.
In its statement, WHO described the United States as a founding member of the organisation, having joined in 1948. Over the past seven decades, the US has worked alongside 193 other member states, actively participating in the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board.
According to WHO, this collaboration has saved countless lives and helped protect people globally from health threats. The organisation credited the US for its role in significant achievements such as the eradication of smallpox and near-eradication of polio.
“Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication,” the statement read in part.
WHO also acknowledged the contributions of American institutions to global health initiatives, calling them pivotal in shaping and governing the organisation’s work. In its statement, WHO also highlighted the importance of its partnership with the US, not only for American citizens but for people worldwide.
“WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans,” the organisation stated, citing its efforts in addressing disease outbreaks, strengthening health systems, and responding to health emergencies. Over the past seven years, WHO has implemented what it described as the largest set of reforms in its history, aimed at enhancing accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. These reforms were made possible with the participation of the US and other member states.
US has already contributed almost $1 billion to the WHO budget.
About half of the WHO’s funding comes from non-governmental organizations. For example, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation donates hundreds of millions, making it the second-biggest contributor overall.
