Geneva, January 21 (QNA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its disappointment following the US announcement that it intends to withdraw from the agency.
The WHO spokesperson, Tarik Jasarevic, addressed the media in Geneva today, saying, “We deeply regret the U.S. decision to exit the WHO. We hope the United States will reconsider and engage in constructive dialogue that benefits not just Americans, but people around the world.” The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders on his first day in office, including pulling the country out of the Paris Climate Agreement and the WHO.
Trump criticized the WHO, alleging that it had been overly influenced by political pressures from its member states. As a result of the decision, the US will sever its ties with the agency in 12 months and halt its financial contributions.
The United States is the WHO’s largest single financial contributor, funding around 18% of the organization’s total budget.
WHO expresses regret over US withdrawal announcement
