Biden Says Will Reverse Trump's Decision, Rejoin WHO On His First Day As President

Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has vowed to rejoin the World Health Organization (WHO) on his first day as president.

Biden's annoucement comes amid reports that the White House has submitted a formal notice of withdrawal from the WHO to the U.N. Secretary General on Tuesday. The former vice president said in a tweeted statement that he is looking to reverse President Trump's decision, if elected.

The withdrawal, which needs an year's notice, will not take effect until July 6 next year, allowing Biden to reverse Trump's decision if he wins in November. The U.S. is the top source of funds for the WHO; it contributed over $400 million in funds in 2019, making up 15% of the WHO's total budget.

“Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health. On my first day as President, I will rejoin the @WHO,” Biden tweeted, emphasizing the need to restore America’s leadership on the world stage.

Trump had in late May alleged that China exerted "total control" over the WHO and said the organizaton had been slow in responding to the pandemic. He said the U.S. would redirect funding "to other worldwide and deserving, urgent, global public health needs."

The WHO recently updated the timeline of its response to the pandemic, showing China never notified it of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, backtracking from its earlier assertion that the Chinese government had alerted the agency.

Trump’s move to pull out from WHO in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic has drawn flak from bipartisan lawmakers, medical associations and allies aboard. They had said that the move will hamper the international fight against the pandemic and rob the U.S. of global influence.