Hospersa, a Union of more than 60 000 health workers in South Africa’s public and private health sector, has slammed United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump for halting USA funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO).  This announcement comes at the time when the world is fighting the spread of the deadly Coronavirus COVID-19. Hospersa says this is not the time to play politics but instead all nations should stand together during the fight against COVID-19.

According to reports, the USA President, Donald Trump, has halted USA’s funding to the WHO.  President Trump has been very critical of the WHO’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak where more than 600 000 Americans have contracted the virus and over 2 million globally.  The USA is the WHO’s biggest donor with funding of over $400 million a year and such a decision could be detrimental to how the world responds to effectively fighting COVID-19.  Hospersa has criticized the USA President citing that this is not the time to play politics but a time to put all of humanity first.

“Hospersa is shocked by the decision taken by the USA President to halt WHO funding,” said Hospersa General Secretary Noel Desfontaines.  “The WHO has been the pillar of strength for many countries, like South Africa, who rely on it for guidance during this fight against COVID-19.  Without the necessary funding, many countries especially in the African continent, will battle to respond efficiently against this deadly virus,” argued Desfontaines. 

“Hospersa condemns this careless action by President Trump which could negatively impact the WHO from fulfilling its duties especially at such a crucial time,” said Desfontaines.  “We call on President Ramaphosa, in his capacity as the African Union Chairperson, to plead the case of the continent to other world leaders on the importance of such organisations as the WHO.  This is not the time for playing politics but for the world to unite in the fight against this deadly virus,” concluded Desfontaines.

Issued by Hospersa