For the new episode of our (German) @pandemiapodcast I spoke with @tzimmer_history about the origins of @WHO and how the cholera pandemics in the 19th century led nations to start collaborating in the fight against infectious diseases.
Zimmer made very clear that this move was fundamentally an act of self-interest and not driven by a sense of global solidarity. In some ways it has stayed that way. Trump‘s move to cut ties with @WHO is not just unconscionable, it’s also against the interests of the US.
It is yet another move that may play well in some quarters but ultimately will lessen US influence on decisions that will end up impacting the US any way. Surely if we have learnt anything these last months it’s that pathogens don‘t respect borders.
