Peters Challenges New Zealand’s WHO Funding After US Withdrawal

Winston Peters, former Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand and leader of the New Zealand First party, has raised concerns regarding the country’s financial contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO). His remarks, posted on his personal X account on September 29, follow the recent announcement that the United States has formally withdrawn from the organization.

In his statement, Peters criticized the WHO, asserting that it has become an unaccountable body that mismanages global taxpayers’ money. He stated, “This is what happens when a bunch of unelected globalist bureaucrats are not accountable or responsible with worldwide taxpayers’ money.” He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the WHO in light of the U.S. departure, questioning whether New Zealand’s funding is being used responsibly in international initiatives rather than addressing local needs.

Peters elaborated further in an interview with RNZ, describing the WHO as a “bloated organization” that has strayed from its original mission. “They’ve forgotten what their original mandate was, they’ve forgotten the original parameters and boundaries they were given,” he said. He emphasized the need for New Zealand to engage in a serious discussion about WHO funding, insisting on accountability to the New Zealand populace.

The context of Peters’ comments is significant. Last week, the United States officially exited the WHO, citing multiple “failures during the Covid-19 pandemic” and claiming that the organization acted contrary to U.S. interests. The current U.S. administration has characterized the withdrawal as a necessary step in response to perceived mismanagement within the WHO.

In response to the U.S. decision, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the WHO, expressed concern, stating that the withdrawal makes “the US and the world less safe.” He refuted the claims made by the U.S. government, asserting that the reasons provided for the withdrawal are “untrue.”

Peters’ public questioning of the WHO’s funding may resonate with some New Zealanders who share concerns about how international aid is allocated. His calls for accountability reflect a growing sentiment in various countries about the need for transparency in international organizations.

As the debate unfolds, it remains to be seen how New Zealand’s government will respond to Peters’ assertions and whether there will be any reevaluation of its financial commitments to the WHO. The discussion around global health governance continues to be a pressing issue as nations assess the lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for future global health challenges.