Health

Independent, UK -   The United States has formally completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that has drawn sharp criticism and raised concerns about global health security.

The decision comes as the US reportedly owes the global health agency more than $130 million. Officials within Donald Trump's administration have conceded that unresolved issues remain, including the potential loss of access to crucial international data that could provide early warnings of future pandemics.

Public health law expert Lawrence Gostin, from Georgetown University, warned that the withdrawal would severely hamper the international community's ability to respond to new outbreaks. He added that it would also impede American scientists and pharmaceutical firms in their efforts to develop vital vaccines and medicines against emerging threats. "In my opinion, it's the most ruinous presidential decision in my lifetime," Mr Gostin stated.

The WHO is the United Nations' specialised health agency and is mandated to co-ordinate the response to global health threats, such as outbreaks of mpox, Ebola and polio. It also provides technical assistance to poorer countries; helps distribute scarce vaccines, supplies and treatments; and sets guidelines for hundreds of health conditions, including mental health and cancer.