The announcement was made by the newly inaugurated US President Donald Trump on Monday, citing alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health crises by the WHO as reasons for the withdrawal.

CAPRISA Director, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, criticised the decision, emphasizing its implications for global health.“Anywhere you go in the world, they will treat you based on the WHO guidelines. The WHO plays a major role in how patients are treated, in health policy, in controlling epidemics, and so on,” said Abdool Karim.

He added: “By pulling out of the WHO, the US is saying that they no longer want to play a role in any form of leadership in global health and how we are trying to make the world a healthier place.”

The US withdrawal raises concerns about its potential impact on global health initiatives and international co-operation, the body says.

--SABC--