President Donald Trump's executive orders initiating the United States' withdrawal process from the World Health Organisation (WHO) are expected to significantly impact global health and climate change efforts.
On his first Monday in office after being sworn in, Trump signed several orders addressing health, immigration, foreign policy, and climate change.
Citing the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, its failure to adopt critical reforms, and alleged political influence by member states, Trump's statement partly read: "Due to the organisation's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states." .Keep ReadingMisdiagnosis, climate change to blame for pathogens' resistance to drugsScorching truth: How climate change aggravates brain diseasesAfrica pushes for climate justice at COP 29, seeks $1.3tr financing promiseClimate crisis leave millions in distress - UNPresident Trump is expected to formally notify the United Nations Secretary-General of the US's withdrawal.
Hours later, the WHO expressed concern, noting the decision was regrettable, and urged Trump to reconsider. "This work continues.