90-Second Read: WHO kicks off annual assembly amid Hantavirus, Ebola crises

The World Health Organization opened a meeting of global health ministers Monday amid concern over deadly Hantavirus and Ebola outbreaks and uncertainty over announced US and Argentinian withdrawals.W... While the rare Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship that has gripped global attention is not officially on the agenda, it is expected to feature prominently in discussions, alongside the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. And the Hantavirus crisis provided "a clear illustration of why the world needs an effective, trusted, impartial, reliably-funded WHO", she added.

The WHO's budget has been reduced by around 21 percent, or nearly one billion dollars. It also remains unclear what, if anything, would be decided on the withdrawal of the United States and Argentina. The United States reserved the right to withdraw when it joined the WHO in 1948 -- on condition of giving one year's notice and meeting its financial obligations in full for that fiscal year.

When WHO's executive board met in January, Israel submitted a resolution to approve Argentina's withdrawal -- something countries are expected to discuss during the assembly -- but not a word was said about the US. The assembly will take place as the process towards next year's election of a new WHO chief heats up. Disagreement between wealthy and developing nations has blocked closure on the WHO's landmark 2025 pandemic treaty, with negotiations now expected to be extended for another year.