WHO funding cut by US: World reaction

The US decision to freeze funding to the World Health Organization over what President Donald Trump said was its "mismanaging" of the global coronavirus pandemic triggered anger and concern. Here are some of the reactions from across the world to Trump's move:

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

'Critical to war against virus'

"(It is) not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organization or any other humanitarian organization in the fight against the virus. It is my belief that the World Health Organization must be supported, as it is absolutely critical to the world's efforts to win the war against COVID-19."

-- UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

 'Undermining int'l cooperation '

"China is seriously concerned about the US announcement to suspend funding for the World Health Organization. The current global epidemic situation is grim. It is at a critical moment. This US decision will weaken WHO's capacities and undermine the international cooperation against the epidemic."

-- Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian.

'No justification'

"Deeply regret US decision to suspend funding to WHO. There is no reason justifying this move at a moment when their efforts are needed more than ever to help contain and mitigate the coronavirus pandemic. Only by joining forces we can overcome this crisis that knows no borders."

-- EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell

'Blaming others won't help'

"Blaming others won't help. The virus knows no borders. One of the best investments is to strengthen the UN, above all the under-financed WHO... in the development and distribution of tests and vaccines."

-- German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas

'World needs WHO more than ever'

"Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever"

-- Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates