WHO Africa: US funding withdrawal will impact continent
The World Health Organization (WHO) Africa has bemoaned the decision by US President Donald Trump to temporarily halt funding to the organisation.
Trump announced on Wednesday that the US, which is the global health body's largest single funder, would stop funding for the next 60 to 90 days.
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He has accused the organisation of mishandling its response to Covid-19 and overtly trusting the Chinese government.
WHO Africa held a press briefing on Thursday to address the outbreak of coronavirus on the continent.
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, said the withdrawal will have a negative impact on the continent’s ability to fight communicable diseases.
“The impact potentially of this decision will be significant in areas such as polio eradication, we are on the way to receiving a certificate that polio is finally eradicated from Africa and US is one of the biggest supporters of that, as well as other priority programmes that address communicable diseases such as HIV.”