On July 6, 2020, the United States of America (USA), as a depositary of the 1946 Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO), has formally notified the United Nations (UN) of its decision of withdrawal from the global health body, WHO . The US, which has been a party to the WHO Constitution since June 21, 1948 is the largest funder to the WHO, contributing more than USD 450 million per annum.
- Notably, the US has to follow the withdrawal conditions including one year notice period and paying outstanding financial obligations, which were agreed at the time of joining the WHO. In this regard, the US has to serve a 12-month notice period i.e. till July 6, 2021 and also needs to clear the current and past dues which currently owe the WHO around $200 million.
Reason behind breaking off tied with WHO
The US has accused the WHO as ‘puppet of China’ by helping Beijing, China in covering up the origin of COVID-19 in Wuhan province in 2019 and misled the world resulting in deaths of over half a million people globally, including over 130,000 in America.
- In April, the US stopped funding to the WHO as the Trump administration reviewed the ties. A month later, President Donald Trump announced the US was terminating the relationship
Point to be noted:
-In November 2020, there will be presidential elections in USA, so it is a possibility that the Trump administration’s decision could be reversed by a new government.
About World Health Organization (WHO):
Headquarter– Geneva, Switzerland
Director-General– Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
About United States (US):
Capital– Washington, D.C.
Currency– United States Dollar (USD)
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary General– Antonio Manuel de Oliveira GuterresÂ
Headquarters– New York, US
