By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville yesterday reaffirmed The Bahamas’ support for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order withdrawing his country from the organisation.

He said for small island states like The Bahamas, WHO and PAHO provide essential support for health initiatives, disease surveillance, and pandemic response. 

“The impact for The Bahamas, we are presently involved in many programmes related to the Pan-American Health Organization for the health and wellbeing of the Bahamian people,” he said on the sidelines of House of Assembly yesterday.

 “They help us with the infectious and non-infectious, post-pandemic preparedness, surveillance through the country and to monitor diseases cross borders.”

He expressed confidence in The Bahamas’ health measures and international cooperation. 

“There is no need to panic,” he said. “We are doing a lot of great work with the Pan-American Health Organization to ensure that our tourism sector is protected and us to be able to do the necessary surveillance for infectious diseases and to make sure the Bahamian people are safe as we do our thing to develop our economy by way of tourism.”

Dr Darville responded to questions about US President Donald Trump’s executive order to withdraw the United States from the WHO. 

“Well, first of all, I don’t want to get into discussions with the issue with Donald Trump, but when Donald Trump made the statement that he was going to pull out from WHO, WHO did a press release indicating that they are looking for him to come back to the table and spoke specifically about the importance of the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Health Organization.”

Following his re-election, Mr Trump issued an executive order to withdraw the US from the WHO, citing concerns over the organisation’s management and alleged bias toward certain member states.

In response, the WHO issued a statement urging the United States to reconsider its decision. “The World Health Organization works tirelessly to improve the health of all people, especially in vulnerable nations. We urge the United States to reconsider its decision, as our collective efforts are crucial for overcoming global health challenges, including pandemic preparedness and response,” the statement read.