Helsinki, 16 February (IANS). Health officials of six European countries have appealed to increase their role in the World Health Organization (WHO). This appeal has been made in view of the US possible separation.
An open letter was published in the Lancet Journal of heads of Finland’s Health and Welfare Institute (THL) and five other European health organizations. It mentions the challenges from the exit of the US and appealed to European countries to increase their role in WHO.
According to a press release by THL, the letter requested European countries to provide more financial assistance to WHOs and send more experts to the organization. The letter was also signed by health institutions of Norway, Denmark, France, Austria and Portugal.
The letter said that the support of Europe will give stability to the WHO and will ensure that its values remain in the global health policy. The US has been the largest financial contributor of WHO and also provides hundreds of experts to the organization. The letter warned that the WHO’s excessive dependence on the US is a major risk, which is now clearly coming out.
The annual budget of WHO is around $ 3 billion, which is very low in global needs. If the US is out, the organization will face a huge decrease in finance and expertise. WHO plays an important role in dealing with epidemic and natural disasters. Also, it also conducts health programs, maternal care and vaccination campaigns in low -developed countries.
Let us tell you that US President Donald Trump announced at the end of January that the US would separate from WHO in early 2026. Trump has always been an attacker on WHO. He announced this only after taking oath of presidency.
-IANS
PSM/KR