World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to rethink his decision to withdraw from the WHO. The comment comes after Trump’s announcement of the United States’ withdrawal from the organization, a move that has raised concerns about the global health response to the pandemic. Ghebreyesus emphasized the critical role of the WHO in coordinating international health efforts and warned of the potential consequences of the U.S. withdrawal.
Trump’s decision to pull out of the WHO was announced in July 2020, following his criticism of the organization’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. The move has been widely viewed as a step back from global health cooperation, with many experts warning that it could undermine the agency’s ability to carry out its mission. In his comments to POLITICO, Ghebreyesus expressed hope that Trump would reconsider his decision, highlighting the importance of the WHO in combating global health crises.
Leaders from around the world have voiced concerns over the U.S. withdrawal, with some suggesting that the nation’s absence could weaken the agency’s capacity to respond to health emergencies. The WHO relies heavily on contributions from member states, and the loss of the U.S. could have significant financial and operational impacts. Ghebreyesus has called on the U.S. to remain a key partner in global health initiatives, emphasizing the vital role that international cooperation plays in addressing public health challenges.