On Tuesday, the United Nations has confirmed that the United States of America on Monday has sent a notice informing withdrawal from the World Health Organization.
Donald Trump’s administration has decided to quit from the World Health Organization (WHO) as the differences between the United States (U.S) and the WHO have deepened over the COVID-19 pandemic issue. The withdrawal notice was sent to UN General Secretary, Antonio Guterres.
US is very much unhappy with the response fro WHO over the Coronavirus pandemic that has originated from China. The US has openly blamed China for the pandemic. But WHO has not acted related to the concerns and issues raised by the U.S.
In a statement issued from the White House, Trump also accused that WHO has bowed to the pressures from China and had an inadequate response related to the Wuhan born virus. In May 2020, Trump has warned WHO to start reforms with 30 days or otherwise it will lose U.S. support. He further said –
Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating the relationship.
The United States is the largest donor of funds and other services in the WHO. Every year it provides nearly $400 million as its share. It will be a major loss at this point of time if the U.S exit is finalized. However, the U.S has the time till July 6, 2021, to reconsider its decision to withdraw from WHO.
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As per the State Department and the United Nations spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric said that the withdrawal will only take place on July 6, 2021, because
is in the process of verifying with the World Health Organization whether all the conditions for such withdrawal are met,
Present withdrawal notice will be effective from the mentioned date as
United Nations (UN) Foundation President Elizabeth Cousens, said –
The administration’s move to formally withdraw from WHO amid the greatest public health crisis that Americans and the world have faced in a century is short-sighted, unnecessary, and unequivocally dangerous,”
ONE is a global movement campaigning to end extreme poverty and preventable disease by 2030. Its president Gayle Smith said
Withdrawing from the World Health Organization amidst an unprecedented global pandemic is an astounding action that puts the safety of all Americans and the world at risk. The U.S. should use its influence to strengthen and reform the WHO, not abandon it at a time when the world needs it most,
Besides all this, if U.S decides to leave WHO then it currently owes $200 million to the WHO which includes some past dues also.