Maseru, Jan 25—- Qiloane Nursing Staff Union has encouraged the Government of Lesotho to seek support from other countries other than the United States of America.
In his comment on the withdrawal of the United States (U.S) from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Secretary General of the Union Mr. Letsema Matséla stated that Lesotho and its entire nation as well as other countries are going to suffer following the decision by the US.
” The U.S provided financial assistance to WHO for the control of several diseases such as tuberculosis HIV and cancer,” he said, adding that struggling countries including Lesotho are facing a serious challenge ahead.
He pointed out that the health system may collapse due to lack of funds. He stated that the rate of drug distribution might decline, consequently, diseases will increase. He added that there may be more deaths further adding that health service providers may lose their jobs thus worsening the state of unemployment in the country.
The recent withdrawal from WHO by the US has been described as a decision that makes both the U.S and the world less safe. The same sentiments were shared by the United Nations (UN) which said the withdrawal risks global safety.
WHO said in its statement, “As a founding member of WHO, the United States of America has contributed significantly to many of WHO’s greatest achievements, including the eradication of smallpox, and progress against many other public health threats including polio, HIV, Ebola, influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, food safety and more.”
Reports have shown that the U.S administration has accused WHO of trashing and tarnishing as well as compromising its independence. However, WHO has defended itself against the accusations indicating that they are not true.
“WHO has always sought to engage with the United States in good faith, with full respect for its sovereignty,” it said.
The reports have added that the U.S has stated one of its reasons for the withdrawal as failures by WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic which include obstruction of the timely and accurate sharing of critical information. They further added that the U.S also accuses WHO of concealing those failures.
It is expected that WHO Executive Board will during its regular meeting scheduled to commence on February 02 2026 together with the World Health Assembly at its annual meeting set for May 2026 discuss issues raised by the U.S.
Ends/SM/BM
