Trump slams WHO as 'puppet of China', threatens freeze on funding

AFP

US President Donald Trump has threatened to permanently halt funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO) unless it commits to improvements within 30 days.

"If the WHO does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days, I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the WHO permanent and reconsider our membership," Trump told its chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a letter.

The US had suspended funding to the WHO last month over its alleged role in aiding China's "disinformation" about the coronavirus outbreak.

Trump urged the body to demonstrate its independence from China.

It comes as the WHO announced that an independent review of the global virus response would begin as soon as possible.

The coronavirus has infected more than 4.75 million people globally and killed over 314,000 more.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Music Mix

    11:00pm - 6:00am

    Enjoy your favourite music back to back commercial free, tune in to the Music Mix everyday from 1 until 2 for the music you love and the news updates you need

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!