The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed its hope that the United States will reconsider its decision to withdraw from the global health body.
The announcement, made recently, marks a significant shift in the country’s long-standing involvement in the organization, which it helped found in 1948.
In a statement issued on January 21, WHO emphasized the importance of U.S. participation in global health initiatives.
“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,” the statement read in part.
It also highlighted WHO’s efforts in tackling disease outbreaks in challenging environments where few others can operate.
For over seven decades, the U.S. has been an active member of WHO, contributing to major public health victories like the eradication of smallpox and the near-eradication of polio.
The organization pointed out that the U.S. has also been instrumental in shaping WHO’s direction and governance, alongside 193 other member states.
However, the U.S. government’s decision to withdraw is said to stem from dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other issues.
U.S. officials have criticized WHO’s response to the outbreak and have argued that the organization has been overly influenced by China.