ER doctor slams Trump’s decision to stop WHO funding amid coronavirus pandemic
‘They are gonna keep us safe’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An ER doctor has criticised President Donald Trump, for suspending funding for the World Health Organisation (WHO), during the coronavirus outbreak.
Stephen Sample, who works as an emergency room doctor in Jasper, Indiana, discussed Mr Trump’s decision on The 11th Hour with Brian Williams.
Dr Sample criticised the president’s decision and told host Brian Williams that now is not the time to stop funding the organisation.
“Defunding the World Health Organisation in the middle of a pandemic is about like me refusing emergency trauma care to a teenager in a car crash, because the police officer told me that he was texting and driving,” he said.
Dr Sample added that the government needs to listen to scientists in order to tackle the coronavirus outbreak.
He mentioned Mr Trump’s criticism of the organisation, but said that the world needs their help right now, and in the future.
“Did they screw up? Hell man I don’t know, I’m a redneck ER doctor in southern Indiana, but I will tell you this, we need them,” he said.
“They are gonna keep us safe. These viruses are coming from tropical areas, from East Asia, and we’ve got to see them coming.”
Dr Sample added: “If we don’t have them on board, I don’t know what we’re doing.”
The president announced on Wednesday that the US will be suspending its funding of the World Health Organisation (WHO), so that they can review their response to the coronavirus outbreak.
“The reality is the WHO failed to obtain, vet and share information in a timely fashion,” Mr Trump said. “The WHO failed in its basic duty and must be held accountable.”
According to a tracking project hosted by Johns Hopkins University, the US has upwards of 640,291 people have tested positive for coronavirus. The death toll has reached at least 31,195.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments