World Urges Washington to Commit with WHO after Trump Halts Funding to the Organization

China urged the U.S. to fulfil its role in the World Health Organization (WHO) after the announcement from the U.S. President Donald Trump that he would halt funding to the organization as the international health agency made mistakes that “caused so much death” during the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump also said that WHO was responsible for China’s disinformation regarding the virus outbreak in Wuhan which later led to a major outbreak.

 

The U.S. current is the country most affected by the coronavirus with 606,194 confirmed cases and 28,368 deaths.

The U.S. is the biggest donor to the WHO Headquarters in Geneva. In 2019, Washington contributed over $400 million or roughly 15% of the organization’s budget.

 

Trump’s move in cutting WHO’s funding was criticized by other nations and organizations.

“Apportioning blame doesn’t help. The virus knows no borders,” tweeted German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

“We have to work closely together against #COVID19. One of the best investments is to strengthen the @UN, especially the under-funded @WHO, for example for developing and distributing tests and vaccines,” added Maas.

“A dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier,” stated Dr. Patrice Harris, President of American Medical Association.

“Now is the time for unity and for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences,” said U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres.