The U.S. is no longer part of the World Health Organization. After the Trump administration declared its intention to pull the country out of the global public health agency one year ago, on Thursday it formally followed through, ending its commitment to the organization after 78 years. Withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO was one of Trump's day one priorities. Now, after the required one year notice period, the deed is done.
Coca leaves will remain on the list of highly dangerous substances, where they have been for over 60 years. The window of opportunity that had opened for their removal has just been shut: the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended keeping them on Schedule I the most restrictive of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Bolivia's request to declassify coca leaves, which Colombia had enthusiastically supported, has been met with a major setback.
The world is now facing the impacts of unilateralism and power politics, bringing major challenges to global health security. China strongly believes that only with solidarity and mutual assistance can we create a healthy world together.
