Health reform advocate saddened by U.S. withdrawal from WHO

A health reform advocate on Wednesday expressed sadness over the United States’ (US) withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO).

In a message to the DAILY TRIBUNE, Dr. Tony Leachon emphasized that the WHO "has been a vital source of medical information, health policy guidelines, and timely reference contributing to resolving the Covid-19 pandemic."

"During the pandemic, WHO was my constant source of information for my daily podcast, along with other reputable sources of medical information," said Leachon, a former president of the Philippine College of Physicians.

"Personally, 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," he added.

In an executive order on Monday, 20 January, US President Donald Trump announced the withdrawal of the US from the WHO, accusing the organization of "mishandling" the Covid-19 pandemic, failing to adopt "urgently needed reforms," and being politically influenced by other member states.

Trump's executive order attempts to complete a process he initiated during the final months of his first term.

In 2020, he temporarily slashed funding and signed an executive order in July of that year to withdraw the US from the WHO. However, because withdrawal requires a one-year notice, former President Joe Biden reversed the decision upon taking office in January 2021.