Trump cuts ties with WHO

WASHINGTON (AFP) — United States President Donald Trump is severing ties with the World Health Organization (WHO) over its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump’s move signals an end to hundreds of millions of dollars in funding to the United Nations agency just when it needs it most, with outbreaks in many parts of the world yet to reach their peaks.

Trump initially suspended funding to the WHO last month, accusing it of not doing enough to curb the early spread of the virus and being too lenient with China, where the virus emerged late last year.

On Friday, he made that decision permanent in a major blow for the agency’s finances, as the US is by far its biggest contributor, pumping in $400 million last year.

“Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization,” Trump told reporters.

The Republican leader said the US would be redirecting WHO funds “to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs.”

“The world needs answers from China on the virus. We must have transparency,” Trump said.

Beijing has furiously denied US allegations that it downplayed or even covered up the threat from the virus after it was detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December, insisting it has been forthcoming.

The pandemic has since claimed almost 364,000 lives globally and the number of cases is nearing six million.

Populations are now learning to adjust to life with the long-term threat of infection as the virus continues its march around the globe and a vaccine remains elusive.

Lockdowns have interrupted the meager services many depend on, such as school lunches for hungry children and water deliveries.

The surge in the Americas came as the number of infections continued to fall in much of Europe, which is pressing on down the path to reopening after months of crippling lockdowns.