WHO: We do not take sides with any member country, we focus on science

The Director-General of the World Health Organization, WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has emphasized that the organization is not biased against any member state and that it was established to serve all countries and all people.

Dr. Tedros made the remarks in Geneva, Switzerland, during the 156th meeting of the organization's Executive Board, a speech that touched on several issues including the Executive Order to withdraw the United States from the WHO, an order that had four main reasons given by Washington, including the WHO's inability to be independent from improper political influence.

“As a UN agency, WHO is impartial and exists to serve all countries and people,” said Dr. Tedros, adding that, “Member states ask us many things, and we always try to help as much as we can.”

"But when they ask for something that has no scientific evidence, or something that goes against our goals of helping global health, we politely say no. And you've seen me do that many times," said Dr. Tedros.

The WHO chief said, as member states know, that is what WHO has been doing repeatedly for all countries regardless of their income levels or location.

Other areas that the Executive Order cited as reasons for the US withdrawal from the WHO include the organization's failure to comply with emergency reforms, a point to which Dr. Tedros responded by saying that over the past seven years the organization has implemented significant reforms to the guidance of member states.

Regarding the argument that the United States bears the brunt of the organization's contributions instead of having a more equitable distribution among member states, Dr. Tedros said that the contribution calculation follows established systems; and the country agrees without pressure on additional contributions and that: "To reduce dependence on donors, WHO has been working to increase the donor base."

The US has also alleged that the WHO did not adequately respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. Dr. Tedros said the WHO defends its actions, explaining that it acted quickly by declaring COVID-19 a global public health emergency on January 30, 2020.

Dr. Tedros said they are deeply disappointed by the US decision to withdraw from WHO and noted: "We welcome extensive consultations to preserve and strengthen the historic partnership between WHO and the United States, a partnership that helped make a difference in eradicating diseases like smallpox".