US President Donald Trump has threatened to end US funding for the WHO (World Health Organization). He will hold $500 million per year funding at the peak of the global coronavirus epidemic. Trump blamed the organization for covering up the outburst in its early stages without offering any evidence for his contention. On Tuesday, he contended the US is a developing nation and complained about unfair treatment from the organization. President alleged its officials of knowing exactly what was going on as the outbreak developed. Trump’s remarks this week amid several reports mentioning his failure to consider multiple warnings over several weeks to prepare for the coronavirus.
Some analysts have predicted that the Covid-19 epidemic will cost thousands of lives. Trump’s decision to stop the WHO funding has drawn a considerable amount of criticism. The United Nations, EU, and the American Medical Association have expressed their anger. One official also described the gambit as one of the least productive, most short-sighted, self-motivated, and hypocritical acts. It is noteworthy that billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates (the 2nd largest contributor to the WHO’s budget) addressed Trump’s decision in a tweet on Wednesday. He said, “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”.
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.
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) April 15, 2020
The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus responded and said, “Now is the time for us to be united against a common struggle, a common enemy. When we’re divided, the virus exploits the cracks between us”. Point to be noted that President Trump is eager to reopen the US economy. He will supposedly announce plans for some states to phase out their quarantine efforts. The US death toll from Coronavirus has crossed 28,000 total deaths in the country. On Tuesday, single-day deaths were reported 2,482 and at least 2,000 deaths on Wednesday. US Vice President Mike Pence said the new guidance will offer greater flexibility to some states as the US looks to relax its quarantine efforts to resume business as usual.