Withdrawal of the USA from the World Health Organisation

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Extract from the article: Just hours after his inauguration on Monday 20 January, US President Donald Trump signed a decree withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is an expected decision that is likely to reshuffle the global health deck an

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Just hours after his inauguration on Monday 20 January, US President Donald Trump signed a decree withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is an expected decision that is likely to reshuffle the global health deck and, according to experts, considerably complicate the fight against future pandemics.

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the World Health Organisation (WHO) at the start of his term of office. This decision, described as historic, redefines the relationship between Washington and the UN agency, with major implications for global public health.

In the text, Donald Trump cited a number of reasons for the withdrawal, including the WHO's «mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic» and «failure to adopt urgently needed reforms». He said the agency was demanding «unfairly onerous payments» from the US and complained that China was paying less. Donald Trump justified the withdrawal on the grounds of an imbalance in financial contributions between the United States and China, describing the situation as unfair. While the United States injects around 400 million dollars a year into the WHO's budget, China provides only a fraction of this, around 40 million. The President also pointed the finger at the WHO's management of the Covid-19 pandemic, accusing it of inaction and lack of transparency.

In his view, the organisation was too influenced by China, which had hampered the global response to the health crisis.

Immediate consequences

The presidential decree orders US agencies to cease all funding and collaboration with the WHO.Funds previously earmarked for the organisation will be redirected to American and international partners deemed more reliable for carrying out health missions.This withdrawal raises concerns about the future of global immunisation campaigns, the fight against infectious diseases and other crucial global public health initiatives.The WHO, as the global coordinating body, plays a central role in these efforts.This decision, which comes against a backdrop of growing tensions between the United States and China, risks exacerbating the diplomatic rift.

The withdrawal of one of the WHO's main financial contributors could also weaken the organisation, while strengthening the influence of other players, notably China.

A controversial decision

The international community has reacted with dismay, pointing out that this withdrawal comes at a critical time when global cooperation is essential to deal with health crises.Public health experts and humanitarian organisations fear that this decision could jeopardise decades of progress in the fight against pandemics and infectious diseases.

While this decision marks a turning point, its long-term implications for global health governance remain uncertain.One thing is clear: the withdrawal of the United States from the WHO is reshaping the dynamics of international cooperation.

Jean ELI