US rejoins WHO as Biden takes office

Joe  Biden, in the first hours of his presidency, rejoined the Paris climate accord and recommitted to the World Health Organisation (WHO), fulfilling promises he made during the campaign.

The “incredibly important” move halts the withdrawal process began by Donald Trump administration.

Hours after being sworn in as the 46th President of the US, Mr Biden signed a record of 17 executive orders reversing decisions on immigration, the environment and the economy made by his predecessor.

Included in this list is an intention to cease the process of withdrawal from WHO. Last July, Donald Trump announced plans to formally cut ties with the UN agency after accusing it of incompetence and being “very China-centric”.

In sharp contrast, the Biden administration described the organisation as “an entity critical to coordinating the international response to Covid-19, advancing preparedness for future epidemics and pandemics, and improving the health of all people”.

Mr Biden’s move is no surprise and last summer he pledged the US would rejoin the organisation on his first day as President as “Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health”.

Read more: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/us-rejoins-who-as-biden-takes-office-3265146

Written by Noelyn Nassuuna