The United States announced it will be leaving the World Health Organization, citing mismanagement of health crises during the COVID-19 and other international health emergencies.
Trump said WHO failed to act with independence, but instead caves in to the political interest of certain states that have membership there. The U.S., he said is also subjected to what he deemed “unfair financial contributions,” these being highly disproportionate compared to other nations- particularly China.
The World Health Organization has taken the United States as a ride, that ends today, Trump further stated in an announcement.
The United States is the highest contributor to the WHO, with its contribution at almost 18% of the total budget. This decision brings to an end all contributions and marks a formal withdrawal from the organization within 12 months. The two-year budget allocated for the WHO for the 2024-2025 periods stands at $6.8 billion.
It was no surprise move though. The president had, in his first term, also tried to get out of WHO, citing very similar grievances while blaming the agency for being far too soft on China.
WHO has outright dismissed these claims. It still holds China to produce information about origins of COVID-19-humans-to-animals or even laboratory research.
This represents a significant withdrawal from the involvement of the U.S. in global health initiatives and raises questions regarding future international cooperation in addressing health crises.
