The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has criticised US President Donald Trump for wanting to cut funding to the World Health Organization, saying now was “not the time” to reduce resources for the WHO.
“Now is the time for unity and for the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences,” Guterres said.
Trump had earlier accused the WHO of “severely mismanaging and covering up the spread of the coronavirus” and said the US would halt funding pending a review of the situation.
Guterres however stressed the WHO was “on the front lines, supporting member states and their societies, especially the most vulnerable among them, with guidance, training, equipment and concrete life-saving services”.
“It is my belief that the World Health Organization must be supported, as it is absolutely critical to the world’s efforts to win the war against Covid-19.”
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda have also said President Trump’s decision to halt funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) is “as dangerous as it sounds”.
“Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs WHO now more than ever,” they responded on Twitter.
Their organisation, the Gates Foundation, is one of the WHO’s largest donors.
What organisations has the US left?
If the US stops funding the WHO permanently, it will cease to become a member. It would not be the first international organisation or agreement it has left:
- UN Human Rights Council: The US announced its withdrawal in June 2018, accusing the UNHRC of “unending hostility towards Israel”
- The Paris climate agreement: President Trump confirmed the withdrawal last year – it will take effect this year
- The Iran nuclear deal: Mr Trump called the deal “embarrassing” when withdrawing in 2018. Remaining European signatories have since accused Iran of numerous breaches
- International Criminal Court: The US has never been a member of the ICC and in 2018, then-National Security Adviser John Bolton said the US would stop co-operating entirely
- Trans-Pacific Partnership: Days into his presidency, Mr Trump signed an executive order to withdraw from the 12-nation trade deal
- Unesco (part one): The US announced its withdrawal from the UN cultural organisation in 1984, citing, among other things, “endemic hostility toward the institutions of a free society”
- Unesco (part two): After rejoining under President George W Bush, the US stopped paying fees in 2011, under President Obama, in protest at Palestinian admission. The US lost its voting rights in 2013
- Unesco (part three): The US announced its full withdrawal in 2017, citing “anti-Israel” bias
