US President Donald Trump has asked the World Health Organisation (WHO) to reform within 30 days or face a permanent funding cut from his country.
Trump has since ordered a temporary funding cut to WHO, blaming it for the global spread of COVID-19.
The US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) had said China blocked WHO from sounding the alarm on the disease in January.
In a letter dated May 18 and addressed to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, Trump said if the world health body does not undertake the reform within the ultimatum given, US would also consider its membership of the organisation.
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The president said he would not allow funding to an organisation that does not serve US citizens interests.
“The World Health Organization has failed to publicly call on China to allow for an independent investigation into the origins of the virus, despite the recent endorsement for doing so by its own Emergency Committee,” Trump said.
“The only way forward for the World Health Organization is if it can actually demonstrate independence from China. My Administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organisation.
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“But action is needed quickly. We do not have time to waste. That is why it is my duty, as President of the United States, to inform you that, if the World Health Organization does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days, I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the World Health Organization permanent and reconsider our membership in the organization.
“I cannot allow American taxpayer dollars to continue to finance an organization that, in its present state, is so clearly not serving America‘s interests.”
This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! pic.twitter.com/pF2kzPUpDv
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2020
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