The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, marking the end of a tumultuous relationship between the two entities. This move comes slightly over a year after President Donald Trump announced his intention to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO via an executive order on the first day of his second term.
The withdrawal from the WHO has been a controversial decision since it was first announced by President Trump last year. Many experts, health officials, and world leaders expressed concerns over the potential impact of the U.S. leaving the organization, especially during a global health crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the decision to withdraw has been finalized and the U.S. is no longer a part of the WHO. In a statement released by the State Department, it was announced that the U.S. has fulfilled its financial obligations to the organization and has submitted a notice of withdrawal to the United Nations. This marks the end of a 72-year partnership between the U.S. and the WHO.
The withdrawal process began in July last year when the Trump administration formally notified the UN and the WHO of its intention to withdraw from the organization. The process required a one-year notice period and the U.S. has officially completed this period on Thursday. This decision has been widely criticized by health experts and lawmakers, who believe that it will weaken the global response to health emergencies and leave the U.S. isolated from the rest of the world.
The WHO plays a crucial role in global health, providing support and guidance to countries during times of crisis. Its mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. The U.S. has been a key member of the WHO, contributing both financially and through its expertise and resources. The country has also benefited greatly from its membership in the organization, with access to the latest health information and technologies.
Despite the withdrawal, the U.S. has stated that it remains committed to global health and will continue to work closely with its international partners to combat the ongoing pandemic and other health challenges. The U.S. still plans to collaborate with the WHO on issues such as polio eradication, vaccine preventable diseases, and food safety.
However, this move has raised concerns about the future of global health and the leadership vacuum that will be created with the absence of the U.S. from the WHO. Many have called for the U.S. to reconsider its decision and work towards reforming the organization from within instead of abandoning it altogether.
The decision to withdraw from the WHO is also seen as a reflection of the Trump administration’s skepticism towards international organizations. President Trump has been critical of the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and has accused the organization of being under the influence of China. However, many experts argue that this withdrawal will only weaken the U.S.’s position in the global health community and hinder its ability to lead on critical issues.
The timing of this withdrawal also raises concerns as the world is in the midst of a global pandemic. With the U.S. being one of the worst affected countries by COVID-19, the need for international cooperation and coordination is more crucial than ever. The withdrawal from the WHO is seen as a step in the wrong direction and could have detrimental effects on the global fight against the virus.
The incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden has already promised to reverse this decision and rejoin the WHO as soon as his administration takes office. In an interview with CNN, Biden’s chief of staff, Ron Klain, stated that the Biden administration would take immediate action to rejoin the organization and ensure the U.S. once again plays a leading role in combating global health challenges.
In the end, the U.S.’s withdrawal from the WHO is a significant move with far-reaching consequences. It not only affects the U.S. but also the global health community as a whole. However, it is hoped that the incoming administration will take swift action to rectify this decision and reestablish the U.S.’s commitment to global health. As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, international solidarity and cooperation are more important than ever, and the U.S. must play a crucial role in this effort.