United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says now is a time for unity in the global battle to push the COVID-19 pandemic into reverse and not a time to cut the resources of the World Health Organization (WHO), which is spearheading and coordinating the global body’s efforts.

Guterres was reacting to the decision by US President Donald Trump cut off funding to the WHO accusing the UN body of mishandling the coronavirus crisis as governments grapple with how and when to get their struggling economies back to work.

The deadly pandemic has already killed more than 125,000 people and infected nearly two million worldwide since it first emerged in China late last year.

In a statement Guterres reiterated his belief that the World Health Organisation must be supported as it is absolutely critical to the world’s effort to win the war against COVID-19.

Guterres spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says the Secretary General also made it clear while there must be a time to look back and understand how COVID-19 emerged and caused such devastation, this is not the time to stop the fights against the pandemic.

“As it is not that time, it is also not the time to reduce the resources for the World Health Organisation or any other humanitarian organization that is working in the fight against the virus.”

Guterres has urged the international community to work together in solidarity to stop this virus and its shattering consequences.

Faizel Patel

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)