AU ‘fully backs’ WHO against Trump attacks

The African Union (AU) has defended the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its leader Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus following criticism from US President Donald Trump. 

On Tuesday, President Trump tweeted that the WHO was “very China-centric” despite being “largely” funded by the US. 

Later, at a press conference, the president suggest that the US should “put a hold on money” to the organisation.

AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat tweeted that he was “surprised” by President Trump’s campaign against the WHO. 

He added that the AU “fully backs WHO and Dr Tedros”. 

Dr Tedros, who hails from Ethiopia, is the first African head of the WHO. 

One of President Trump’s grievances with the WHO is that it advised against imposing travel restrictions on China in February, despite most cases of Covid-19 being concentrated there. 

Photo: AP