A World Health Organization The spokesman said Tuesday that communication bird flu had become difficult since the American president Donald Trump announced a withdrawal from the United Nations Health Agency.
Asked about the communication received by Washington WHO on the H5N1 epidemic, Christian Lindmeier told a press conference in Geneva: “Communication is indeed a challenge. The traditional contact methods have been cut. »»
He refused to develop.
An American epidemic of the H5N1 virus infected nearly 70 people, mainly agricultural workers since April 2024. The US Department of Agriculture reported for the first time last week that a second stump of bird flu was found in Dairy cattle in Nevada, a discovery increased concerns about the American epidemic.
Under WHO, the rules known as the International Health Regulation (RSI), countries have binding obligations to communicate on public health events that have the potential to cross borders. These include advising the WHO immediately of an emergency of health and measures on trade and travel.
Other countries have expressed concern that the United States would stop communicating on emerging viruses that may become the next pandemic. “If such a big country no longer reports, what message does it send?” said a Western diplomat in Geneva.
Argentina also said that it was planning to withdraw from WHO, citing “deep differences” concerning the management of the health problems agency, including the COVVI-19 pandemic.