US retracts Trump’s criticism of World Health Organization, reverses withdrawal decision

Anthony Fauci, who has been named Biden’s chief medical adviser, thanked a meeting of the WHO’s executive board

Meanwhile, scientists reported early signs that some recent mutations may modestly curb the effectiveness of vaccines

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Anthony Fauci, US President Joe Biden’s medical adviser, speaks remotely during a World Health Organization executive board meeting on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Published: 4:48pm, 21 Jan 2021Updated: 10:28pm, 21 Jan 2021

In a dramatic about-turn, the new administration of US President Joe Biden on Thursday thanked the World Health Organization for leading the global pandemic response and vowed to remain a member state.

“Under trying circumstances, this organisation has rallied the scientific and research and development community to accelerate vaccines, therapies and diagnostics,” top US scientist Anthony Fauci, who has been named Biden’s chief medical adviser, told a meeting of the WHO’s executive board.

The WHO, he said, had “relentlessly worked with nations in their fight against Covid-19.”

His comments marked a clear departure from the harsh criticism dealt to the WHO by former US president Donald Trump, who had begun withdrawing his country from the organisation.

But on his first day in office Wednesday, Biden reversed that decision.

President Joe Biden has reversed the US’ withdrawal from the World Health Organization. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images/TNS

In a letter sent to United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, Biden announced he was retracting Trump’s July 6 notification that the United States intended to withdraw from the UN health agency in 12 months’ time.