WASHINGTON - The World Health Organization said it "regrets" US President Donald Trump's decision -- just hours after taking power -- to withdraw his country from the UN agency, saying it hoped he would reconsider.
Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the WHO, a body he has repeatedly criticised over its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the White House after his inauguration, Trump said the United States was paying far more to the United Nations body than China, adding: "World Health ripped us off."
Washington, comfortably the biggest financial contributor to the Geneva-based organisation, provides substantial support that is critical to the WHO's operations.
The UN health agency expressed disappointment Tuesday over Trump's decision.
"WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans," spokesman Tarik Jasarevic told a press briefing in Geneva.
"We hope the United States will reconsider and we look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue to maintain the partnership between the USA and WHO, for the benefit of the health and well-being of millions of people around the globe."
The American withdrawal could leave global health initiatives short of funding.
This marks the second time Trump has sought to sever ties with the WHO.
During his 2017-2021 first term, the United States issued a notice of intent to withdraw, accusing the organisation of being overly influenced by China during the pandemic's early stages.
That move was later reversed under Joe Biden's administration.
Jasarevic stressed it would take one year from formal notification being deposited with the UN for the United States to leave the WHO.
The European Commission voiced "concerns" at Trump's decision, warning it could undermine the response to future pandemics.
In China, a foreign ministry spokesman said Beijing would continue supporting the UN agency.