- Safiu Kehinde
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the withdrawal of the United States’ membership by President Donald Trump.
Ghebreyesus, in a statement issued on Tuesday, expressed regret by the decision of the newly sworn-in US President to withdraw the country from the organization which it cofounded.
The WHO boss stated the crucial played by the organization in securing global health, including Americans.
He recalled how the organization had in partnership with the US saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats, including bringing an end to smallpox.
Ghebreyesus also recalled their fight against polio which he claimed was brought to the brink of eradication.
He, however, hoped that Trump will reconsider his decision, stressing that WHO looked forward to maintaining the partnership with the United States.
The statement partly read; “The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the Organization.
“WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go.
“The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO’s work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board.
“For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats.
“Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO.
“With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues.
“We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”
Recall that Trump had, yesterday after his swearing-in, announced the withdrawal of the United States from WHO for allegedly ‘ripping-off’ the country.