Billionaire Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates called President Donald Trump's decision to halt funding the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic "dangerous."
In a tweet posted late Tuesday night, Gates wrote, "Halting funding for the World Health Organization during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. Their work is slowing the spread of COVID-19 and if that work is stopped no other organization can replace them. The world needs @WHO now more than ever."
The tweet came in response to Trump's announcement that the United States will pause funding the WHO while a review of the organization's response to the COVID-19 virus is conducted. Some reports have suggested that the WHO helped China cover up the seriousness of the virus.
During the current two-year funding cycle, the U.S. has contributed about $893 million to the WHO. China's contribution amounts to roughly $86 million.
The virus has infected more than 2 million people worldwide. Around 130,000 people have died. In the U.S., more than 600,000 have gotten sick and more than 26,000 have died.
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