The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the United States from the UN health agency, News About Nigeria reports.
In a statement on Tuesday, WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic said, “The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the organisation. 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.”
President Trump announced the withdrawal shortly after resuming office, citing dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to implement reforms, and perceived political bias.
While signing the executive order, Trump reportedly said, “That’s a big one,” referencing his previous attempt to exit the organization in 2020, which was reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
Dr. Ashish Jha, former White House COVID-19 response coordinator, described it as a “strategic error,” warning it could bolster China’s influence in global health governance.
Georgetown University global health law expert Lawrence Gostin called the move “a cataclysmic presidential decision,” emphasising its impact on global health and U.S. leadership. He added, “It undermines both world health and the United States’ credibility in addressing international health crises.”
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun stated, “The role of the WHO should only be strengthened, not weakened. China will, as always, support the WHO in fulfilling its responsibilities… and work towards building a shared community of health for humanity.”
The withdrawal could leave a gap in the WHO’s funding as the United States has historically been one of its largest contributors.
During the 2024–2025 budget cycle, the U.S. provided $662 million or 19% of the organization’s total revenue.
Critics argue that the withdrawal undermines the collective ability to tackle pressing health challenges, while supporters of the move cite the need for reform and greater accountability within the WHO.
