Trump’s Exit Notice: WHO Invites US For Dialogue As World Bank Sanctions Two Nigerian Coys

By Ayodele Oni

The World Health Organization, (WHO) Tuesday, expressed the hope that the United States (US) will reconsider its decision to quit the World Health Body.

Reacting to the announcement, WHO stated that it regretted US President Donald Trump’s decision, just hours after taking power, to withdraw his country from the UN agency.

Trump on Monday signed an Executive Order directing the United States to withdraw from the WHO, a body he has repeatedly criticized over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the White House hours after his inauguration, Trump said the United States was paying far more to the UN body compared to China, adding: “World Health ripped us off.”

The United States, the largest donor to the Geneva-based organization, provides substantial financial support that is vital to the WHO’s operations.

The UN Health Agency said Tuesday it regretted the decision.

Spokesman, Tarik Jasarevic, told reporters in Geneva that  “WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world’s people, including Americans.

“We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe.”

Observers say the US withdrawal is expected to trigger a significant restructuring of the institution and could further disrupt global health initiatives.

This marks the second time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO.

During his first term, the United States issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the organization of being overly influenced by China during the pandemic’s early stages.

In his new executive order, Trump directed agencies to “pause the future transfer of any United States Government funds, support, or resources to the WHO” and to “identify credible and transparent United States and international partners to assume necessary activities previously undertaken by the WHO.”

The administration also announced plans to review and rescind Biden’s 2024 US Global Health Security Strategy, which was designed to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, “as soon as practicable.”

Meanwhile, the World  Bank has announced  sanction on two Nigerian companies and their directors following findings of fraudulent, collusive and corrupt practices connected to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.

The World Banks imposed a 30-month debarment on two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Norman Didam over alleged corrupt practices.

The 30-month debarment bars Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Didam from participating in World Bank Group-financed projects and operations.

A statement by the Washington-based bank said the sanction follows findings of fraudulent, collusive and corrupt practices connected to the National Social Safety Nets Project (NSSNP) in Nigeria.

The statement reads: “The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr Norman Bwuruk Didam.

“The debarment is in connection with alleged fraudulent, collusive and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.”