WASHINGTON, DC - The United States will go it alone, divorcing itself from the World Health Organization, recalling all U.S. health personnel and contractors working with WHO, and cutting off all funding.

Newly-elected President Donald Trump, in creating the new status quo, revoked a commitment to the organization given by newly-elected President Joe Biden on his inauguration day on Monday 20 January 2020.

Biden on that day wrote to the Secretary-General of the UN reversing a decision by the 45th president, Donald Trump during his 2017-2021 term to withdraw from WHO.

Trump in his original decision said it was in response to WHO's mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic that arose out of Wuhan, China, and other global health crises, its failure to adopt urgently needed reforms, and its inability to demonstrate independence from the inappropriate political influence of WHO member states.

On Monday Mr Trump highlighted the disparity between the U.S. and China in relation to the contribution of funds.

"China, with a population of 1.4 billion, has 300 percent of the population of the United States, yet contributes nearly 90 percent less to the WHO," the Executive Order signed by Mr Trump on Monday said.

All financial contributions by the United States, expertize, resources and other support will be withdrawn.

"While withdrawal is in progress, the Secretary of State will cease negotiations on the WHO Pandemic Agreement and the amendments to the International Health Regulations, and actions taken to effectuate such agreement and amendments will have no binding force on the United States," the order said.

The World Health Organization, in a statement issued Tuesday said it regretted the announcement of the withdrawal.

"WHO plays a crucial role in protecting the health and security of the world's people, including Americans, by addressing the root causes of disease, building stronger health systems, and detecting, preventing and responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks, often in dangerous places where others cannot go," the statement said.

"The United States was a founding member of WHO in 1948 and has participated in shaping and governing WHO's work ever since, alongside 193 other Member States, including through its active participation in the World Health Assembly and Executive Board."

"For over seven decades, WHO and the USA have saved countless lives and protected Americans and all people from health threats. Together, we ended smallpox, and together we have brought polio to the brink of eradication. American institutions have contributed to and benefited from membership of WHO," the statement said.

"With the participation of the United States and other Member States, WHO has over the past 7 years implemented the largest set of reforms in its history, to transform our accountability, cost-effectiveness, and impact in countries. This work continues."

"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 WHO statement concluded.