US President Donald Trump has been condemned by world leaders for cutting off funding to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a move that they warn will seriously undermine the global fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Announcing the suspension of US contributions on Tuesday, Mr Trump accused WHO of “failing in its basic duty” and colluding with China to cover up the initial extent of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The United Nations health agency is funded by all of the world body’s member states, but the US makes the largest contribution.