President Trump’s announcement that the United States will halt all funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) could have devastating consequences for the older people who are most at risk from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to HelpAge International, Chief Executive, Justin Derbyshire.
“The US pulling funds to the WHO at this critical juncture in the fight against Coronavirus will have a devastating effect on the world’s older people, especially those living in fragile states and countries with weak health systems who are most in need of WHO support.
“The WHO has been showing leadership on the response to this pandemic since the risk of the virus was first identified and have been providing much-needed information as well as empowering the global response.
“Case numbers for COVID-19 are relatively low in less developed countries at the moment, but if it takes hold in fragile states with weak health systems it could explode beyond control and their governments will need all the help and leadership they can get from the WHO.
“HelpAge International calls upon President Trump to revoke his decision and support the WHO to continue its services and health leadership around the world, but especially in those countries who do not have the funds to cope with the outbreaks themselves. Millions of people’s lives depend upon this.”