Nations around the world reacted with alarm Wednesday after President Donald Trump announced a halt to the sizable funding the United States sends to the World Health Organization. Health experts warned the move could jeopardize global efforts to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is among many world leaders who have criticized Trump's decision to stop funding the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gates wrote on Twitter that removing funding to the WHO during a pandemic is "as dangerous as it sounds." But recently, many governments have split with WHO's advice on issues of public health policy, notably on travel restrictions and whether the public should wear masks.

Source: CBC News April 15, 2020 12:56 UTC