FILE PHOTO: The World Health Organization logo is pictured at the entrance of the WHO building, in Geneva, Switzerland, December 20, 2021. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse
MANILA, Philippines — US President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw his country from the World Health Organization (WHO) could be something to be bothered about as it would affect the Philippines, according to a former health secretary.
Janette Garin, currently the 1st District representative of Iloilo in Congress, said many programs of the WHO in the Philippines are being backed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the humanitarian arm of the US government. She lamented that the US pullout from the WHO would harm those programs.
Article continues after this advertisement“Napakaimportante nito sa Pilipinas kasi maraming usaping kalusugan at maraming programa sa kalusugan na kumukuha tayo ng funding support sa WHO. And, of course, expected na ‘yung USAID ay bababa ang mga tinutulong nito sa mga bansa sa movement na ito,” Garin said.
FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Hontiveros: Give revised anti-teen pregnancy bill a fair chance NEWSINFO Bersamin defends Marcos against allegations of signing blank check NEWSINFO In Basilan, 2 dead as MILF fighters ambush soldiers(This issue is so important to the Philippines because many health issues and programs on health are getting funding support from the WHO. And, of course, it is expected that the USAID’s contributions to different countries will decrease because of this move.)
READ: Trump signs order to pull US from WHO, citing funding disparities
Article continues after this advertisementJust a few hours after formally assuming the presidency on Monday, January 20, Trump signed an executive order directing the US to exit the WHO. He’s been arguing that the US has been giving far more to the United Nations agency than other countries like China.
free online casino slotsArticle continues after this advertisementThe US is the largest donor to the WHO, making its financial support vital to the operation of the global health and safety body. Observers believe that Trump’s decision can lead to a restructuring of the WHO, which could disrupt global health initiatives.
Article continues after this advertisementGarin, however, also believed that Trump’s move may push other world superpowers to lead, which may give rise to potential security threat issues.
“Ang kalusugan kapag may pandemya, threat ‘yan sa buong mundo, so sila ang mag initial access, that is what is going to happen,” she said.
Article continues after this advertisement(Health data during a pandemic can become a source of threat to the entire world because they have the initial access to this information; that is what is going to happen.)
READ: Trump’s executive orders can make change – but can be undone by the courts
The decision was widely expected. An Inquirer’s poll of 10 economists correctly predicted today’s move by the Monetary Board, which will hold its next rate-setting meeting on Dec. 19.
The milestone underscores the company’s shift toward replacing cigarettes with smoke-free alternatives such as IQOS.
Despite the repercussions, Garin said Trump’s decision is understandable, as the US might want to allocate funds for their domestic needs. The Filipino lawmaker said the WHO also has to reform its costs, as unnecessary expenses like frequent travel and wining and dining should be reduced.
“‘Yung sinasabing mishandling nung pandemic, walang perpektong response sa pandemic, kaya sa totoo lang ang pananaw ko dyan, naghahanap lang ng rason ang America. Ang katotohanan dyan, talagang nagtitipid sila because they want to spend more for their internal needs, which is understandable sa panahong ito,” she said.
(What they are saying is mishandling of the pandemic; there is no perfect response to the pandemic. That’s why, honestly, my view of that is that America is just looking for a reason. The true rationale behind that is they are just trying to save funds because they want to spend more for their internal needs, which is understandable during these times.)
Trump’s second term as US president kicked off with a slew of executive orders addressing issues from border protection to climate change, among others. Other directives he signed on his first day as US president again were the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, suspension of US foreign assistance for 90 days pending reviews, and ending diversity programs and LGBTQ protections, among others.
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Trump also started his immigration crackdown and even halted refugee arrivals. He likewise instructed the Pentagon to provide support for border wall constructionluckyhub777, detention space, and migrant transportation.
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