The move to quit the Geneva-based body, which the United States formally joined in 1948, comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Beijing over the coronavirus outbreak. Trump last month halted funding for the 194-member organization, then in a May 18 letter gave the WHO 30 days to commit to reforms. “Because they have failed to make the requested and greatly needed reforms, we will be today terminating our relationship with the World Health Organization and redirecting those funds to other worldwide and deserving urgent global public health needs,” Trump said on Friday. It has previously denied Trump’s assertions that it promoted Chinese “disinformation” about the virus. He has also cut funding for the UN population fund and the UN agency that aids Palestinian refugees.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 29, 2020 23:15 UTC