The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has strongly countered U.S. President Donald Trump’s justification for pulling the United States out of the global health agency.
Speaking at the World Health Organisation’s executive board meeting on Monday, Tedros expressed regret over Washington’s decision and urged the U.S. to reconsider its withdrawal, emphasizing the country’s crucial role as the WHO’s largest donor.
Tedros responded to Trump’s executive order, which cited issues such as failure to implement reforms, unfair financial demands, mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic, and political bias.
He highlighted that World Health Organisation had already undertaken sweeping reforms, broadened its donor base, and swiftly responded to the COVID-19 crisis.
Regarding concerns over political influence, Tedros maintained that the WHO remains impartial, stating that when member states make demands not backed by scientific evidence, the WHO declines them “politely.”
The U.S. withdrawal poses a significant challenge to the WHO’s funding and ability to tackle global health threats, making the agency’s call for re-engagement even more critical.