US makes decision to withdraw from 'World Health Organization' official

Guwahati: The Donald Trump-led United States Government has officially notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw the US from the World Health Organization breaking off ties with the global health body amid the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

The administration sent the letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Monday, making the US withdrawal official on July 6, 2021, due to a requirement for a one-year notice,

President Donald Trump has accused the agency of becoming a "puppet" for China during the coronavirus pandemic. Notably, the US is the largest funder to the WHO, contributing more than $450 million per annum, while China's contribution to the organization is about one-tenth of that of the US.

After more than 70 years of membership, the United States' decicion to quit the WHO amid the rising tensions with China over the coronavirus pandemic comes at a time when the world community is still grappling with the complexities of the new pandemic situation.

Meanwhile, Trump's Democratic rival for the presidency, Joe Biden, said he would return the US to the WHO before the year-long process of withdrawal was complete, if elected to power.

"Americans are safer when America is engaged in strengthening global health. On my first day as President, I will rejoin the WHO and restore our leadership on the world stage," Biden stated on Twitter.

Trump on Tuesday fumed at China saying that the country has caused "great damage to the United States and the rest of the world further fanning the flames of discord between the two global superpowers.

ALSO WATCH: Get Set Global: Deep Dive With The UK Frontliners