WHO urges U.S. to reconsider withdrawal, says open for dialogue

NEW YORK – The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the United States government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from the agency, saying it remains open for constructive dialogue in an apparent bid to retain its largest donor.

The appeal follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump, who, after returning to office as the 47th President of the United States, announced the U.S. withdrawal from the UN health agency.

Trump cited the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises as reasons for the decision.

In a statement issued on Monday by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the agency expressed regret over the U.S. move, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding global health and security, including that of Americans.

“The World Health Organisation 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 world’s people, including Americans, addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, detecting, preventing and responding health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go,” read in part the statement seen by this Sudans Post.

The U.S. withdrawal, which would strip WHO of its largest source of funding, has raised concerns globally, including in South Sudan, where the agency plays a key role in supporting a fragile health system weakened by years of conflict and limited government funding.

Health experts fear that the U.S. exit could result in severe funding shortfalls for critical WHO programs, including the ongoing cholera response in South Sudan, where the outbreak has already claimed more than 400 lives.