By Zoila Palma: The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its long-standing membership and cutting ties with one of the United Nations’ key health agencies.
The decision follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump a year ago, citing concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and alleged political influence, particularly from China, BBC reports.
The US Department of Health and Human Services said the withdrawal was prompted by what it described as the WHO’s “mishandling” of the pandemic, failure to implement reforms, and lack of independence from member states.
Washington has also terminated all US government funding to the organization, recalled US personnel and contractors from WHO offices worldwide, and suspended hundreds of engagements.
The US has not paid its 2024 and 2025 membership fees, leaving arrears estimated at $260 million.
The WHO has rejected the accusations, with Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calling the US exit a loss for both the country and global public health.
The agency highlighted its role in combating polio, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality, and tobacco use, as well as coordinating global disease surveillance.
WHO officials also noted that the US was the only member state not to join an international pandemic treaty agreed to last year.
The post International News: United States officially withdraws from World Health Organization (WHO) appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The United States has officially withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), ending its long-standing membership and cutting ties with one of the United Nations’ key health agencies. The decision follows an executive order signed by President Donald Trump a year ago, citing concerns over the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic
The post International News: United States officially withdraws from World Health Organization (WHO) appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.