From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
World Health Organization (WHO) has asked the United States Government to reconsider the decision to withdraw its membership of the organisation over some alleged unfair treatment.
A statement from the Organisation’s headquarters in Geneva, yesterday, noted that the decision of the US President will bring a significant setback to the organisation and its quest to protect the health of the world population.
It said that 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.
“Besides, 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. With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past seven years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries.
“We hope the United States will reconsider the decision, 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.”
US President, Donald Trump, shortly after inauguration on Monday, announced the decision to withdraw US membership OF WHO
citing alleged mismanagement of global health crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, among several issues highlighted in the Executive Order.