Coronavirus: Trump administration formally withdraws US from WHO

US: The Trump administration has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization, officials said, breaking off ties with the global health body amid the expanding coronavirus pandemic.

The US has accused the WHO of siding with China on the outbreak of the virus, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, alleging the health body misled the world resulting in deaths of over half a million people globally, including over 130,000 in America.

What is the WHO – and who funds it?

  • Founded in 1948 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, it is the UN agency responsible for global public health
  • Has 194 member states, and aims to “promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable”
  • Involved in vaccination campaigns, health emergencies and supporting countries in primary care
  • Funded by a combination of members’ fees based on wealth and population and voluntary contributions
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