The World Health Organization has reacted to President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw US membership from the UN-led health agency.

“The World Health Organization regrets to announce that the United States intends to withdraw from the organization,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote in a post.

He added, “We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to sustain the partnership between the United States and WHO for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.” “

On January 21, Trump signed an executive order terminating the United States’ membership of the World Health Organization, with the global health agency losing its largest financial contributor.

In response, WHO said it would play a vital role in protecting the health and safety 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. Plays a role. Outbreaks, often in dangerous places where other people cannot go.

The statement said, “The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has since participated in shaping and leading WHO’s work, along with 193 other Member States, including through its membership on the World Health Assembly and the Executive Board. Active participation is also included.”

Adding that since WHO and the US have “saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats” for seven decades, the health body hopes the US will “reconsider” the decision.

“Together, we eliminated smallpox and we have also brought polio to the brink of eradication. U.S. institutions have contributed to WHO and benefited from membership,” the health body said.

Trump’s US departure from the WHO stems from his first presidential term, when he criticized the health agency for being slow to act and “owned and controlled by China” during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.

The consequences of this decision are significant, especially since the US contributes approximately 18% of WHO’s total funding. Not just WHO, even the healthcare system of the United States is expected to be affected in a big way.

America’s move to leave WHO will take a year to become official.