US Formally Withdraws from World Health Organization
The United States has ended its cooperation with the World Health Organization. Trump announced in May his country’s intention to withdraw from the WHO. He has accused the UN health agency of ineffectiveness in combating coronavirus and of following China’s interests.
Donald Trump formally notified the United Nations Secretary-General of the United States’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization by submitting an official request.
A spokesperson for António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, confirmed on Tuesday evening (July 7) in New York that the international body had received the relevant document.
The UN spokesperson noted that the condition for the US’s final withdrawal from the WHO is that the country fulfill all its financial obligations. He stated that the UN Secretary-General and WHO experts are currently reviewing the relevant documents.
The US Congress has been informed of the White House’s decision; however, the country’s withdrawal from the WHO will take effect on July 6, 2021.
“Following China’s Interests”
Donald Trump accuses the World Health Organization of informing the global community about the dangers of the coronavirus with considerable delay.
Trump has repeatedly pointed out that the United States pays a larger financial contribution to the WHO than China does, while the organization is under Chinese influence.
Donald Trump halted all his payments to the WHO last April amid the coronavirus crisis. This action drew widespread criticism from the international community.
The United States has had the largest budget contribution to the WHO. In the current fiscal year, the US was scheduled to pay $116 million to the WHO. In the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the US provided approximately 15 percent of the organization’s budget by paying $893 million (approximately €804 million).
Trump Among Main Coronavirus Deniers
Trump himself stands accused of denying the dangers of the coronavirus pandemic during the crisis. His critics charge that by attacking China’s behavior and the WHO’s performance, he is attempting to distract public opinion from his own mistakes.
According to the latest report from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Foundation in the United States, approximately three million people have contracted COVID-19, and more than 131,000 have died from the epidemic—the highest rate among countries worldwide.
The spread of coronavirus in the United States has intensified in recent weeks. Experts attribute this to the premature lifting of coronavirus restrictions. Donald Trump has consistently emphasized the need to return to normal life to strengthen economic activity.
With only four months remaining until the US presidential election, polls show that Trump’s popularity and his chances of defeating his Democratic rival Joe Biden are lower. Joe Biden has stated that if he wins the election, he will bring the United States back to the WHO.
The World Health Organization was founded in 1948 and its budget is funded by annual contributions from 190 UN member states and several non-governmental organizations.
Source: DW
