WHO REGRETS US DECISION TO WITHDRAW FROM ORGANISATION

GENEVA, Jan 21 (Bernama-AA) -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday said it regrets new United States (US) President Donald Trump's decision of intending to withdraw from the organisation, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported.

The WHO "plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks and often in dangerous places where others cannot go," spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic told a UN briefing in Geneva.

Noting that the US was a founding member of WHO in 1948, Jasarevic said that for over seven decades, WHO and the US have "saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats."

"Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication," he said. "American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership in WHO."

According to the spokesperson, the US represented 18 percent of the 2023 budget and is the "largest single donor."

"So we have to see, really, how this will play out, and we need to see what will be the consequences," he said.

Responding to Anadolu's question on whether the agency will be in contact with the Trump administration to reconsider the decision, he said: "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".

-- BERNAMA-AA