Govt ‘alarmed’ at Trump decision to pull WHO funding
The government has expressed alarm at the decision by US President Donald Trump to halt funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Trump announced that the US, which is the global health body's largest single funder and gave it more than $400m in 2019, would stop funding for the next 60 to 90 days.
This pending a review of the WHO’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Trump has accused the WHO of making deadly mistakes and overly trusting China.
Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Clayson Monyela says the world needs the WHO to function at full capacity as it deals with the Covid-19 crisis.
"It is alarming that this very regrettable decision is announced as this deadly virus strikes Africa and the poorest and most vulnerable states. The WHO, as the lead UN agency, is mandated to promote health and to ensure universal health coverage globally, is tasked to lead global efforts to suppress the transmission and stop the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Monyela adds that the WHO's effort to coordinate a global response to the oubreak needs support.
"We believe that, more than ever before, the WHO deserves increased support from member states in particular to bolster its efforts to suppress transmission and stop the pandemic.
“Dirco is hopeful that the government of the United States will reconsider its decision and re-join the international community in fighting this pandemic.”