In a bold move, President Donald Trump has taken steps to pull the United States out of the World Health Organization (WHO).
Trump, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the agency, signed an executive order on Monday, January 20, to officially begin the exit process.
He believes the WHO failed to manage the COVID-19 pandemic and other major health crises globally.
Right after being sworn in for his second term as the 47th President of the U.S., Trump wasted no time in signing several executive orders.
One of these orders aims at cutting ties with the WHO, marking a significant step in the U.S.`s global health policy.
After signing the order, Trump emphasized its importance, saying, "Oh, this is one of the most important order."
He also expressed frustration over what he called "unfair" contributions, pointing out that the U.S. had been paying more to the organization than other countries.
The WHO has not responded immediately to this decision.
Under the new order, the U.S. has a 12-month window to fully withdraw from the WHO. During this period, the country will also be able to stop its financial support.
The U.S. is a major contributor to the WHO, providing about 18% of its funding.
For the years 2024-25, the organization’s budget was set at $6.8 billion, making the U.S.`s share a significant one.
This decision is sure to have a lasting impact on global health efforts, with many now waiting to see how it will play out over the next year.