April 14, 2020 - President Donald Trump announced today that he would halt funding for the World Health Organization while his administration reviews the international organization's response to COVID-19. He has accused the WHO of "severely mismanaging" the response to the novel coronavirus, underplaying the true spread of the disease, initially opposing travel restrictions and being overly deferential to Chinese health officials.

The United States is the largest contributor to the WHO with monies provided totaling about 15 percent of the international public health organization's overall budget. In addition to an assessed amount for member countries, many also make a a much larger voluntary donation.

AMA Statement on Administration Halting Funding to World Health Organization

Statement attributable to: Patrice A. Harris, M.D., M.A., President, American Medical Association

"During the worst public health crisis in a century, halting funding to the World Health Organization (WHO) is a dangerous step in the wrong direction that will not make defeating COVID-19 easier. Fighting a global pandemic requires international cooperation and reliance on science and data. Cutting funding to the WHO - rather than focusing on solutions - is a dangerous move at a precarious moment for the world. The AMA is deeply concerned by this decision and its wide-ranging ramifications, and we strongly urge the President to reconsider."