WHO Boss Says Reasons Given by US for Withdrawal Are ‘Untrue’

Geneva: World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on Saturday, stated that the reasons given by the United States to withdraw from the international body 'are untrue.' According to Ghana News Agency, Tedros emphasized the significant contributions of the United States as a founding member of WHO, highlighting achievements such as the eradication of smallpox. He mentioned that WHO has consistently engaged with the US and all Member States, respecting their sovereignty. Tedros expressed concerns that the US decision to withdraw makes both the US and the world less safe. In response to the US withdrawal, which became official earlier in the week following its announcement a year ago by the administration of President Donald Trump, the WHO provided a detailed rebuttal to the accusations. US State Secretary Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy claimed that WHO had disrespected America's contributions and mentioned the issue of the American flag that was allegedly n ot returned. However, they later confirmed the flag was back in US possession. The WHO countered these claims, stating that it has always engaged with the United States in good faith and respected its sovereignty. Furthermore, the WHO rejected accusations of obstructing the timely and accurate sharing of critical information during the coronavirus pandemic. The organization clarified that it informed governments about the 'cluster of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause' in China in early January 2020 and declared an international public health emergency on January 30 when there were fewer than 100 coronavirus cases and no deaths outside China. The WHO expressed hope that the United States will return to active participation in the future.