WHO regrets U.S. decision to withdraw from organization
Geneva/Washington: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed regret over the United States' decision to withdraw from the global health body, following an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on his first day in office.
The executive order, one of several signed upon Trump's return to the White House, formally initiated the process of pulling the U.S. out of the WHO. The order cited "unfairly onerous payments" made by the U.S. to the organization, as well as the WHO’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises. It also pointed to concerns over the agency’s failure to implement reforms and its perceived susceptibility to political influence from certain member states.
In response, the WHO released a statement underscoring its role in global health, highlighting its efforts in combating diseases, strengthening health systems, and addressing health emergencies. The organization emphasized the U.S.'s long-standing involvement, noting that it has been a founding member since 1948 and actively participated in its governance.
"For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats," the statement read. "Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication."
The WHO acknowledged that reforms to improve its accountability and effectiveness are already underway, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening global health governance.
Despite the U.S. decision, the organization expressed hope that the move would be reconsidered and emphasized its willingness to maintain a productive partnership with the country.
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RR beat RCB by six wickets in IPL
Guwahati (PTI): Blistering fifties by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Dhruv Jurel powered Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL match here on Friday.
Sent in to bat, RCB rode on a fighting half-century by skipper Rajat Patidar (63) to post 201 for 8.
Virat Kohli (32), Romario Shepherd (22) and Venkatesh Iyer (29) also chipped in with useful contributions.
In reply, Sooryavanshi (78 off 26 balls) and Dhruv Jurel (81 not out off 43 balls) shared a 37-ball 108-run partnership for the second wicket to set the platform. Krunal Pandya (2/30) tried to bring them back with back-to-back wickets.
But Jurel, in the company of Ravindra Jadeja (24), completed the task with another 68-run stand, with two overs to spare.
For RR, Jofra Archer (2/33), Ravi Bishnoi (2/32) and Brijesh Sharma (2/37) took two wickets.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 201 for 8 in 20 overs (Rajat Patidar 63; Jofra Archer 2/33, Ravi Bishnoi 2/32, Brijesh Sharma 2/37).
Rajasthan Royals: 202 for 4 in 18 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 78, Dhruv Jurel 80 not out; Krunal Pandya 2/30, Josh Hazlewood 2/44).
