Geneva [Switzerland], January 22: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday lamented President Donald Trump's executive order that starts the process of the United States' exit from the global body.
During his first day back in office on Monday, Trump carried out his pre-election pledge to do everything in his power to have US membership in the Geneva-based UN agency terminated.
Trump's order is not immediate, however. His administration must also notify in writing the UN secretary general about the withdrawal. It will then take a year for it to go into effect.
"The World Health Organization regrets the announcement that the United States of America intends to withdraw from the organization," a WHO statement said.
"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, often in dangerous places where others cannot go."The WHO will analyse what a US exit would mean for its programmes, the agency said, adding it was still too early to provide details. (DPA)
Source: Qatar Yribune
