Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed regret over the United States’ official withdrawal from its membership, voicing hope that Washington will return to active participation in the organization in the future.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a statement, the WHO reaffirmed its commitment to responding to the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that the systems and mechanisms it developed before, during, and after the pandemic have contributed to protecting the health of all member states, including the United States.

The United States completed its withdrawal procedures last Thursday, as the Department of Health and Human Services announced the end of U.S. membership after 78 years, the suspension of all U.S. funding, and the recall of American staff working with the organization.

The administration of President Donald Trump justified the decision by criticizing the WHO’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, accusing it of failing to maintain independence and imposing unfair financial burdens on the United States.