This information was published on the organization's official website on 24/1. In a press release, WHO highlighted that the United States is a founding member who made key contributions to historical health achievements, such as eradicating smallpox and combating malaria, HIV, and Ebola. However, the US withdrawal will create issues, which WHO's executive board is expected to review at its meeting on 2/2.

WHO's move followed an announcement by the United States on 22/1 that it was formally withdrawing and would only engage in limited cooperation with the agency. "We have no plans to participate as an observer, nor do we plan to rejoin," a US official stated.

The emblem outside the World Health Organization (WHO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. *Photo: Reuters*

According to US officials, the country intends to work directly with other nations instead of through an international organization for disease surveillance and other public health priorities. This decision followed an executive order issued by President Donald Trump after he took office. He claimed WHO mismanaged Covid-19 and failed to implement necessary reforms to handle the pandemic. He also asserted that WHO unfairly demanded exorbitant costs from the United States, while China's contributions were less. The order further stated that WHO continued to demand excessive payments from the US, disproportionate to those of other nations.

Responding to these allegations, WHO affirmed its steadfast commitment to measures taken against the "unprecedented global health crisis" caused by the pandemic. The organization added: "The systems we developed and operated throughout, before, during, and after the emergency phase of the pandemic, operated 24/7. These efforts have contributed to safeguarding all nations, including the United States."

WHO hopes that in the future, the United States will actively rejoin. "In the interim, WHO remains steadfastly committed to working with all nations to pursue its core mission and charter: achieving the highest possible standard of health as a fundamental right for all," Reuters quoted from the statement.

WHO is the United Nations' specialized health agency, established in 4/1948, tasked with coordinating responses to global health threats such as smallpox, Ebola, and polio. The organization also provides technical assistance to developing countries, distributes vaccines, scarce supplies, and treatments, and issues expert treatment guidelines. Currently, over 190 nations worldwide are WHO members.

Binh Minh (Reuters, WHO)