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General News of Wednesday, 15 April 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Cutting funds to WHO will have adverse impact on Africa - Ezekwesili

Oby Ezekwesili Oby Ezekwesili

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has stated that any action taken by the United States against the World Health Organization, WHO, over coronavirus will have an adverse impact on Africa.

This comes after US President Donald Trump announced a move to cut the funds donated to the WHO due to the way they handled the issue with coronavirus in its initial stage.

Reacting to the statement, Ezekwesili stated that WHO needs such funds to help Africa with its weak health system.

She tweeted: Any action taken by the United States against the @WHO @WHOAFRO @WHONigeria in the midst of a deadly pandemic like COVID-19 will adversely impact African countries. @who activities help to backstop the continent’s weak health systems and must be sustained".

Meanwhile, the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has faulted the move by Trump as he called for unity in the battle against the virus.

"Now is a time for unity in the global battle to push the COVID-19 pandemic into reverse, not a time to cut the resources of the World Health Organization, which is spearheading and coordinating the global body's efforts," Guterres said in a statement Tuesday.