The World Health Organisation (WHO) has voiced deep regret following the announcement that the United States intends to withdraw its membership from the global health body.
The decision marks a significant shift in the country’s historic involvement with the organisation since its founding in 1948.
In a statement released on Tuesday, WHO emphasised its critical role in “protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans,” by addressing the root causes of disease, strengthening health systems, and responding to emergencies, including dangerous disease outbreaks.
The statement began saying, “The World Health Organisation regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organisation.”
WHO warned that its work often extends to places “where others cannot go,” making its global presence vital. It said, “WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.”
The US has been a foundational member of WHO since its inception, contributing significantly to the organisation’s work alongside other member states. WHO highlighted the longstanding partnership between itself and the United States, noting their joint achievements over the past seven decades, such as the eradication of smallpox and efforts to bring polio to the brink of elimination.
The statement continued, “The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board. For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO.”
The statement also underscored the reforms WHO has implemented over the past seven years, with active US participation, to enhance accountability, cost-effectiveness, and its overall impact in countries around the globe. WHO assured that these reforms would continue despite the US decision.
“With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues.
“We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe,” the statement concluded.
The announcement comes at a time when global health collaboration is seen as crucial in addressing pressing challenges such as disease outbreaks, climate-related health crises, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare worldwide. The decision by the United States raises questions about the future of international efforts to combat such crises.
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