WHO regrets US departure and hopes they “reconsider their decision”

The World Health Organization (WHO) called for a “constructive dialogue” with the US government after announcing its withdrawal on Monday following the signing of a decree by President Donald Trump.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday regretted the announcement that the United States will withdraw from the Organization, just one day after President Donald Trump assumed a new mandate and will sign a decree about it.

“We hope that the United States will reconsider its decision and look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the United States and the WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the world,” the agency said. in a statement.

Trump said the WHO did not act independently of the “inappropriate political influence of member states” and demanded “unfairly onerous payments” from the United States that are disproportionate compared to the sums contributed by other larger countries, such as China.

“(The World Health Organization) scammed us, everyone scams the United States. It's not going to happen again,” Trump said at the signing.

The move means Washington will leave the United Nations health agency within 12 months and end all financial contributions to its work.

During his first term, Trump made a similar decision and accused the WHO of being influenced by China and of not having properly handled the pandemic at its beginning, however President Joe Biden revoked the action.

The organization said it plays a crucial role in protecting the health and safety of people around the world, including Americans, “by addressing the root causes of disease, strengthening health systems, and detecting, preventing, and responding to health emergencies, including epidemics, often in dangerous places where others cannot reach.

(With information from Reuters and The Associated Press)