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Pompeo called the US a “world leader” in the fight against COVID-19

09 July 2020 09:17 (UTC +04:00)

The United States is leading the world in the number of COVID-19 deaths and cases, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that doesn't mean the U.S. isn't also leading the world's response, APA reports citing ABC News.

During a press conference Wednesday, he defended America's role in the world amid the global shock at what many see as the botched U.S. response to the pandemic and President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization.

"Of course the U.S. remains the world leader in the pandemic," Pompeo told reporters, saying the "world turns its eyes" to American scientists and researchers to develop treatments and to U.S. aid to assist the developing world in fighting their own outbreaks.

To date, the U.S. has provided $1.3 billion to more than 120 countries in emergency health, humanitarian and economic assistance, the State Department said Friday.