WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Photo: https://www.healthpolicy-watch.org)

Mr. Ghebreyesus said the WHO’s biggest concern is containing the novel coronavirus and saving millions of lives. Denying the accusation that the WHO acted slowly in the early days of the pandemic, the WHO chief said divisiveness makes everyone more vulnerable to the disease.

Many European leaders have been critical of President Trump’s decision, coming as it does at such a critical moment. The UK said it will give the WHO 250 million USD. European Commission members agreed to give 25 billion USD to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trump said Tuesday he will stop monetary contributions to the WHO while the US reassesses the organization’s epidemic response. Trump’s decision, controversial even in the US, will seriously affect the WHO’s ability to fight the disease and damages the US’s image as an internationally responsible nation.