Reconsider your decision to withdraw US from WHO — AUC chairperson urges Trump

The African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has expressed dismay over United States President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO).

He has urged the administration of the 47th U.S. President to reconsider its stance.

A statement from the Commission, issued on Wednesday, January 22, highlighted that the U.S. was a strong supporter of the establishment of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

The Africa CDC, the African Union’s technical agency for public health emergencies, collaborates closely with WHO and its global membership to detect, prepare for, respond to, and recover from pandemics.

“Today, now more than ever, the world depends on WHO to carry out its mandate to ensure global public health security as a shared common good,” Moussa Faki Mahamat stated.

The U.S. government’s decision to withdraw is reportedly linked to dissatisfaction with the organization’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, among other concerns.

U.S. officials have criticized WHO’s response to the outbreak, claiming the organization has been overly influenced by China.

On January 21, WHO responded by requesting that the United States reevaluate its choice.

“We hope the United States will reconsider, and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the U.S. and WHO for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe,” the statement said.