The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not received data from China on new Covid hospitalisations since the government lifted its Zero-Covid policy, a report by news agency Reuters said on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has not received data from China on new Covid hospitalisations since the government lifted its Zero-Covid policy, a report by news agency Reuters said on Friday. China is racing against time to combat the spike in infections with an overburdened health infrastructure, a shortage of life-saving medicines and a low rate of full vaccination among the elderly. Weekly reports of the WHO showed a rise in Covid hospitalisations in China running up to the government's December 7 decision to ease restrictions on movement that were imposed to stamp out any transmission of the virus, the report said. ALSO READ | China has 1 million Covid cases, 5k deaths a day, claims report as it plans to cut travellers' quarantine According to a graph by the WHO, hospitalisations peaked through to December 4, which was the highest reported figure in the country since the onset of the pandemic. But the figures were absent in the last two weekly reports. The United Nations health agency, however, said that gaps in hospitalisation data might be due to Chinese authorities struggling to tally infections. "I wouldn't like to say that China is actively not telling us what's going on. I think they're behind the curve," WHO emergencies chief Mike Ryan said, Reuters reported. The Chinese government has faced criticism for downplaying the spread of the pandemic and according to experts, the recently introduced criteria for identifying Covid deaths will "underestimate'' the actual figure. The criteria say that only those Covid patients who directly died of respiratory failure caused by the virus would be counted under Covid death statistics. Meanwhile, United States Secretary of States Antony Blinken on Thursday called on China to share details on the pandemic. "It is very important for all countries, including China, to focus on people getting vaccinated, making testing and treatment available and, importantly, sharing information with the world about what they're experiencing," Blinken told reporters and renewed an offer to share American vaccines with China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO didn't receive data from China on new Covid hospitalisations: Report

The World Health Organization and Beijing could have acted faster when Covid-19 first surfaced in China, a group investigating the global response has concluded.

COVID-19 pandemic response team says WHO, China could have acted faster

World Health Organizations emergencies director Michael Ryan said today that "about 10 per cent of the global population may have been infected by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gives-3000-vials-of-remdesivir-to-friendly-myanmar-to-help-fight-covid-19-332616">coronavirus</a>".

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pandemic-prompts-drive-through-pet-blessing-in-philippines-332695/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Amid the rising number of cases worldwide, WHO's Michael Ryan said that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-student-dies-and-a-campus-gets-serious-about-coronavirus-332714"> infection </a>levels varied "from urban to rural, it varies between different groups," but warned that "what it does mean is that the vast majority of the world remains at risk".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bars-cafes-in-paris-to-close-as-french-capital-placed-on-maximum-covid-19-alert-332645">Also Read: Bars, cafes in Paris to close as French capital placed on 'maximum' COVID-19 alert</a>

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added that it is a&nbsp;"wake-up call for all of us."

At least 35 million <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-warns-bumpy-covid-winter-mulling-three-tier-lockdown-332606">coronavirus</a> cases have been confirmed worldwide with over 1 million deaths.

"We must all look in the mirror and ask what we can do better," Tedros said.

"We're not on the wrong path. We're on the right path, but we need to go faster," the WHO chief said while asserting that the UN health body had acted swiftly after received news of the virus and had and declared the highest level of alert on January 30.

"Ten months ago, this virus was completely unknown to the world," the WHO chief said, adding,"We have now published more than 400 guidance documents for individuals, communities, schools, businesses, industries, health workers, health facilities and governments."

"WHO doesn’t have the mandate or the capacity to do everything," he said, although he informed that it is positioned to coordinate the global response against the virus.

World Health Organizations emergencies director Michael Ryan said today that "about 10 per cent of the global population may have been infected by coronavirus". Watch: Amid the rising number of cases worldwide, WHO's Michael Ryan said that infection levels varied "from urban to rural, it varies between different groups," but warned that "what it does mean is that the vast majority of the world remains at risk".

World Health Organizations emergencies director Michael Ryan said today that "about 10 per cent of the global population may have been infected by coronavirus". Watch: Amid the rising number of cases worldwide, WHO's Michael Ryan said that infection levels varied "from urban to rural, it varies between different groups," but warned that "what it does mean is that the vast majority of the world remains at risk". Also Read: Bars, cafes in Paris to close as French capital placed on 'maximum' COVID-19 alert WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added that it is a "wake-up call for all of us." At least 35 million coronavirus cases have been confirmed worldwide with over 1 million deaths. "We must all look in the mirror and ask what we can do better," Tedros said. "We're not on the wrong path. We're on the right path, but we need to go faster," the WHO chief said while asserting that the UN health body had acted swiftly after received news of the virus and had and declared the highest level of alert on January 30. "Ten months ago, this virus was completely unknown to the world," the WHO chief said, adding,"We have now published more than 400 guidance documents for individuals, communities, schools, businesses, industries, health workers, health facilities and governments." "WHO doesn’t have the mandate or the capacity to do everything," he said, although he informed that it is positioned to coordinate the global response against the virus.

10% of the global population may have been infected by the virus: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that one million deaths around the world due to COVID-19 is “a very sad milestone”.

According to the WHO, the victims suffered "a terribly difficult and lonely death”, while referring to how many were simply unable to say goodbye to their loved ones.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/poorer-countries-to-get-120-million-5-coronavirus-tests-who-says-331029" hreflang="en">Poorer countries to get 120 million $5 coronavirus tests, WHO says</a>

Earlier on Tuesday, the global death toll for COVID-19 swooped past one million. The pandemic has completely altered lifestyles of people, has crippled the global economy, and has overburdened health care systems in place.

"So many people have lost so many people and haven't had the chance to say goodbye. Many people who died died alone... It's a terribly difficult and lonely death," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said during a UN briefing in Geneva.&nbsp;

"The one positive thing about this virus is it is suppressable, it is not the flu”, Harris added.

120 million rapid kits

On Monday, the WHO had claimed that at least 120 million rapid testing kits for COVID-19 would be made available for low to middle income countries, at a maximum $5 per unit.

According to WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor, in agreement with the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation will "make 120 million of these new, highly portable and easy-to-use rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests available over a period of six months".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/after-us-crosses-7-million-coronavirus-cases-who-warns-global-death-toll-may-double-to-2-million-330329" hreflang="en">After US crosses 7 million coronavirus cases, WHO warns global death toll may double to 2 million</a>

During a news conference in Geneva, Tedros claimed that the tests were currently priced at $5 each, but are expected to become cheaper as more come in.

"This will enable the expansion of testing, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that do not have laboratory facilities or enough trained health workers to carry out tests," Tedros said.

"This is a vital addition to the testing capacity and especially important in areas of high transmission”, he added.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that one million deaths around the world due to COVID-19 is “a very sad milestone”. According to the WHO, the victims suffered "a terribly difficult and lonely death”, while referring to how many were simply unable to say goodbye to their loved ones.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that one million deaths around the world due to COVID-19 is “a very sad milestone”. According to the WHO, the victims suffered "a terribly difficult and lonely death”, while referring to how many were simply unable to say goodbye to their loved ones. Also read: Poorer countries to get 120 million $5 coronavirus tests, WHO says Earlier on Tuesday, the global death toll for COVID-19 swooped past one million. The pandemic has completely altered lifestyles of people, has crippled the global economy, and has overburdened health care systems in place. "So many people have lost so many people and haven't had the chance to say goodbye. Many people who died died alone... It's a terribly difficult and lonely death," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris said during a UN briefing in Geneva. "The one positive thing about this virus is it is suppressable, it is not the flu”, Harris added. 120 million rapid kits On Monday, the WHO had claimed that at least 120 million rapid testing kits for COVID-19 would be made available for low to middle income countries, at a maximum $5 per unit. According to WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor, in agreement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will "make 120 million of these new, highly portable and easy-to-use rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests available over a period of six months". Also read: After US crosses 7 million coronavirus cases, WHO warns global death toll may double to 2 million During a news conference in Geneva, Tedros claimed that the tests were currently priced at $5 each, but are expected to become cheaper as more come in. "This will enable the expansion of testing, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that do not have laboratory facilities or enough trained health workers to carry out tests," Tedros said. "This is a vital addition to the testing capacity and especially important in areas of high transmission”, he added.

A million deaths due to coronavirus a 'very sad milestone': World Health Organization

As the coronavirus cases continue to rise around the world, the World Health Organization(WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu said that Rwanda, New Zealand, Mekong region and islands across the Caribbean and the Pacific have been able to suppress COVID-19 early.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/worlds-most-expensive-covid-19-mask-made-out-of-pure-18-karate-white-gold-319439/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Tedros called New Zealand's case a "global exemplar" after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern celebrated 100 days with no community transmission.

However, WHO'S health emergencies programme head Michael Ryan warned that the virus has demonstrated no seasonal pattern so far. "take the pressure off the virus, and it will bounce back," he added.

Tedros informed that 50 diagnostics are in evaluation, "including potentially game-changing rapid antigen tests." The WHO chief informed that the first therapy for severe coronavirus - dexamethasone - is in scale-up mode, while adding that "dozens of promising therapies are under analysis".

"My message is crystal clear: suppress, suppress, suppress the virus," Tedros said adding,"if we suppress coronavirus effectively, we can safely open up societies."

"Countries like France, Germany, South Korea, Spain, Italy, and the UK had major outbreaks of the virus but when they took action, they were able to suppress it," the WHO chief asserted. Tedros also noted the steps taken by various countries as the virus spiked, "PM Johnson put areas of northern England under stay at home notifications, as clusters of cases were identified."

"France, President Macron introduced compulsory masking in busy outdoor spaces of Paris in response to an increase in cases." Tedros emphasised that "strong and precise measures" were needed to combat the virus.

Tedros said that "chains of transmission" were broken by rapid case "identification, comprehensive contact tracing, adequate clinical care for patients, physical distancing, mask-wearing and regular cleaning of hands." 
&nbsp;

As the coronavirus cases continue to rise around the world, the World Health Organization(WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu said that Rwanda, New Zealand, Mekong region and islands across the Caribbean and the Pacific have been able to suppress COVID-19 early.

As the coronavirus cases continue to rise around the world, the World Health Organization(WHO) director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesu said that Rwanda, New Zealand, Mekong region and islands across the Caribbean and the Pacific have been able to suppress COVID-19 early. Watch: Tedros called New Zealand's case a "global exemplar" after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern celebrated 100 days with no community transmission. However, WHO'S health emergencies programme head Michael Ryan warned that the virus has demonstrated no seasonal pattern so far. "take the pressure off the virus, and it will bounce back," he added. Tedros informed that 50 diagnostics are in evaluation, "including potentially game-changing rapid antigen tests." The WHO chief informed that the first therapy for severe coronavirus - dexamethasone - is in scale-up mode, while adding that "dozens of promising therapies are under analysis". "My message is crystal clear: suppress, suppress, suppress the virus," Tedros said adding,"if we suppress coronavirus effectively, we can safely open up societies." "Countries like France, Germany, South Korea, Spain, Italy, and the UK had major outbreaks of the virus but when they took action, they were able to suppress it," the WHO chief asserted. Tedros also noted the steps taken by various countries as the virus spiked, "PM Johnson put areas of northern England under stay at home notifications, as clusters of cases were identified." "France, President Macron introduced compulsory masking in busy outdoor spaces of Paris in response to an increase in cases." Tedros emphasised that "strong and precise measures" were needed to combat the virus. Tedros said that "chains of transmission" were broken by rapid case "identification, comprehensive contact tracing, adequate clinical care for patients, physical distancing, mask-wearing and regular cleaning of hands."

Coronavirus has demonstrated no seasonal pattern so far: WHO

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-tightens-coronavirus-restrictions-amid-fresh-outbreaks-316363">ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks</a> 
 
Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus.

At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission.

"Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing.

"It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume."

He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries.

While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level.

Don't 'release pressure'

They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide.

"Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up."

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul.

"What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters.

"Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said.

"Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading.

Keeping borders closed to halt the spread of COVID-19 is unsustainable, the World Health Organization said Monday, urging countries to adopt comprehensive strategies based on local knowledge of where the virus is spreading. ALSO READ | Europe tightens coronavirus restrictions amid fresh outbreaks Border closures and travel restrictions remain an important part of many countries' strategy to combat the novel coronavirus. At the same time, rising cases in a range of countries in Europe and elsewhere that had loosened measures after appearing to get their outbreaks under control have spurred discussions of possible fresh border closures. But the UN health body warned that such measures can not be kept up indefinitely, and are also only useful when combined with a wide range of other measures to detect and break chains of transmission. "Continuing to keep international borders sealed is not necessarily a sustainable strategy for the world's economy, for the world's poor, or for anybody else," Michael Ryan, WHO emergencies director, told journalists in a virtual briefing. "It is going to be almost impossible for individual countries to keep their borders shut for the foreseeable future," he said, pointing out that "economies have to open up, people have to work, trade has to resume." He acknowledged that when it comes to COVID-19, it is impossible to have a "global one size fits all policy" because outbreaks are developing differently in different countries. While countries with rampant community transmission may need to use the blunt instrument of lockdowns to gain control of the situation, others should be burrowing down to get a clear overview of where and how the virus is spreading at a local level. Don't 'release pressure' They should be prepared to tighten or loosen measures accordingly, he said, warning against "releasing pressure" on the virus, which has killed some 650,000 people and infected 16.3 million worldwide. "Release pressure on the virus and the numbers can creep back up." Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead on COVID-19, said that instead of expecting drastic measures to keep the virus in check, people need to adapt their behaviours for the long haul. "What we're going to have to figure out... is what our new normal looks like?" she told reporters. "Our new normal includes physical distancing from others, (and) wearing masks where appropriate," she said. "Our new normal includes us knowing where this virus is every day, where we live, where we work, where we want to travel."

Keeping international borders sealed unsustainable Covid-19 strategy: WHO

World Health Organization(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded Spain and France for their coronavirus response even as he stressed that restrictions put in place to suppress the disease worldwide is taking a huge toll in protracted emergencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/jair-bolsonaro-and-his-non-normal-antics-amid-pandemic-314020">In Pics:&nbsp;Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics amid pandemic</a>

The WHO chief said that Spain and France are a good example of four essential pillars of coronavirus response - strong and humble leadership, community engagement, suppressing transmissions and saving lives.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-eases-lockdown-despite-surge-in-covid-19-cases-314041/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, as Brazil continues to battle the virus, WHO's health emergencies chief Michael Ryan said, "The rise in Brazil is no longer exponential, it has plateaued." The WHO official stressed that the virus cases in Brazil had "stabilised".

Brazil is the second worst-hit country due to the virus with over 2 million cases and nearly 77,000 fatalities. The United States is the&nbsp;worst-hit country with the virus with over 3.6 million cases and over 138,000 deaths.

Ryan said it was "opportunity here now for Brazil to push the disease down, to suppress the transmission of the virus" although he cautioned that it would take "very sustained, concerted action in order for that to occur".

"Up to now, in many countries, including in Brazil, the virus has been in charge, the virus sets the rules," he said, adding, "We need to set the rules for the virus."

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro himself tested positive for the virus after dismissing it earlier as flu. The Brazilian president is currently in quarantine.

World Health Organization(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded Spain and France for their coronavirus response even as he stressed that restrictions put in place to suppress the disease worldwide is taking a huge toll in protracted emergencies.

World Health Organization(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus lauded Spain and France for their coronavirus response even as he stressed that restrictions put in place to suppress the disease worldwide is taking a huge toll in protracted emergencies. In Pics: Jair Bolsonaro and his 'non-normal' antics amid pandemic The WHO chief said that Spain and France are a good example of four essential pillars of coronavirus response - strong and humble leadership, community engagement, suppressing transmissions and saving lives. Watch: Meanwhile, as Brazil continues to battle the virus, WHO's health emergencies chief Michael Ryan said, "The rise in Brazil is no longer exponential, it has plateaued." The WHO official stressed that the virus cases in Brazil had "stabilised". Brazil is the second worst-hit country due to the virus with over 2 million cases and nearly 77,000 fatalities. The United States is the worst-hit country with the virus with over 3.6 million cases and over 138,000 deaths. Ryan said it was "opportunity here now for Brazil to push the disease down, to suppress the transmission of the virus" although he cautioned that it would take "very sustained, concerted action in order for that to occur". "Up to now, in many countries, including in Brazil, the virus has been in charge, the virus sets the rules," he said, adding, "We need to set the rules for the virus." Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro himself tested positive for the virus after dismissing it earlier as flu. The Brazilian president is currently in quarantine.

Coronavirus in Brazil has plateaued, opportunity to suppress transmission: WHO

More than 120 nations in May called for an investigation into the origins of the virus at the World Health Assembly. The United States has already moved to cut ties with WHO over allegations it mishandled the outbreak and is biased toward China.

Under pressure, the WHO, which faced fierce criticism over its handling of the coronavirus crisis, has announced the panel that will conduct this investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus which sparked the global pandemic.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebel-groups-in-myanmar-have-chinas-backing-report-312367">Also Read: Rebel groups in Myanmar have China's backing</a>

The panel will be headed by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The two get to choose the members of the panel&nbsp;for Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Last month, the Associated Press had reported that China delayed releasing information about the coronavirus to the WHO. The report says that there was “considerable frustration” among WHO officials because they didn’t get the information they needed in time.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-china-trying-to-revive-a-terrorist-group-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-312371">Also Read:&nbsp;Is China trying to revive a terrorist group in Pakistan occupied Kashmir?</a>

The virus is believed to have emerged in a wholesale market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, since then closed, after jumping the species barrier from the animal kingdom to infect humans.

This investigation is the ultimate litmus test for the WHO and how it deals with the question of China will ultimately decide its fate and is future.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

More than 120 nations in May called for an investigation into the origins of the virus at the World Health Assembly. The United States has already moved to cut ties with WHO over allegations it mishandled the outbreak and is biased toward China.

More than 120 nations in May called for an investigation into the origins of the virus at the World Health Assembly. The United States has already moved to cut ties with WHO over allegations it mishandled the outbreak and is biased toward China. Under pressure, the WHO, which faced fierce criticism over its handling of the coronavirus crisis, has announced the panel that will conduct this investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus which sparked the global pandemic. Also Read: Rebel groups in Myanmar have China's backing The panel will be headed by former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark and former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The two get to choose the members of the panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Last month, the Associated Press had reported that China delayed releasing information about the coronavirus to the WHO. The report says that there was “considerable frustration” among WHO officials because they didn’t get the information they needed in time. Also Read: Is China trying to revive a terrorist group in Pakistan occupied Kashmir? The virus is believed to have emerged in a wholesale market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, since then closed, after jumping the species barrier from the animal kingdom to infect humans. This investigation is the ultimate litmus test for the WHO and how it deals with the question of China will ultimately decide its fate and is future.

WHO coronavirus pandemic response probe a litmus test for the agency

Two World Health Organisation experts will spend the next two days in China's capital to investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

Of the two, one is an animal health expert and another is an epidemiologist. During their visit, they will work to fix the “scope and terms of reference” for the future mission aimed at learning how the virus jumped from animals to humans, the statement from the United Nations body said.

Scientists believe the virus may have originated in bats, then was transmitted through another mammal such as a civet cat or an armadillo-like pangolin before being passed on to people at a fresh food market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

The United States has already moved to cut ties with WHO&nbsp;over allegations it mishandled the outbreak and is biased toward China.

More than 120 nations in May called for an investigation into the origins of the virus at the World Health Assembly. China has insisted that WHO lead the investigation and for it to wait until the pandemic is brought under control.

Complaints included that China delayed releasing the genetic map, or genome, of the virus for more than a week after three different government labs had fully decoded the information.

China has been accused of not sharing enough data to assess how effectively the virus spread between people or what risk it posed to the rest of the world, costing valuable time.

The US, Brazil and India are continuing to see an increasing number of cases.

Two World Health Organisation experts will spend the next two days in China's capital to investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the two, one is an animal health expert and another is an epidemiologist.

Two World Health Organisation experts will spend the next two days in China's capital to investigate the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. Of the two, one is an animal health expert and another is an epidemiologist. During their visit, they will work to fix the “scope and terms of reference” for the future mission aimed at learning how the virus jumped from animals to humans, the statement from the United Nations body said. Scientists believe the virus may have originated in bats, then was transmitted through another mammal such as a civet cat or an armadillo-like pangolin before being passed on to people at a fresh food market in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. The United States has already moved to cut ties with WHO over allegations it mishandled the outbreak and is biased toward China. More than 120 nations in May called for an investigation into the origins of the virus at the World Health Assembly. China has insisted that WHO lead the investigation and for it to wait until the pandemic is brought under control. Complaints included that China delayed releasing the genetic map, or genome, of the virus for more than a week after three different government labs had fully decoded the information. China has been accused of not sharing enough data to assess how effectively the virus spread between people or what risk it posed to the rest of the world, costing valuable time. The US, Brazil and India are continuing to see an increasing number of cases.

WHO experts to spend next two days China to find origins of coronavirus

The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the US is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that comes amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in the country over the past week.

The United States will leave WHO on July 6, 2021, the United Nations said on Tuesday, after receiving notification of the decision by President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of becoming a puppet for China during the coronavirus pandemic.

The withdrawal has drawn criticism from various organisations. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to reverse the decision "on (his) first day" if elected.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-has-caused-great-damage-to-united-states-and-rest-of-the-world-fumes-trump-311117">Also read |&nbsp;China has caused great damage to United States and rest of the world, fumes Trump</a>

Trump, who announced the decision over a month ago, has to give one-year notice of the U.S. withdrawal from the Geneva-based body and pay all Washington’s dues under a 1948 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. The United States currently owes the WHO more than $200 million in assessed contributions, according to the WHO website.

After more than 70 years of membership, the United States moved to quit the WHO amid escalating tensions with China over the coronavirus pandemic. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.

The WHO has denied assertions by Trump that it promoted Chinese “disinformation” about the virus.

(with inputs from agencies)

The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the US is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that comes amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in the country over the past week.

The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the US is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization (WHO), a move that comes amid a rising number of coronavirus cases in the country over the past week. The United States will leave WHO on July 6, 2021, the United Nations said on Tuesday, after receiving notification of the decision by President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of becoming a puppet for China during the coronavirus pandemic. The withdrawal has drawn criticism from various organisations. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to reverse the decision "on (his) first day" if elected. Also read | China has caused great damage to United States and rest of the world, fumes Trump Trump, who announced the decision over a month ago, has to give one-year notice of the U.S. withdrawal from the Geneva-based body and pay all Washington’s dues under a 1948 joint resolution of the U.S. Congress. The United States currently owes the WHO more than $200 million in assessed contributions, according to the WHO website. After more than 70 years of membership, the United States moved to quit the WHO amid escalating tensions with China over the coronavirus pandemic. The virus first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. The WHO has denied assertions by Trump that it promoted Chinese “disinformation” about the virus. (with inputs from agencies)

Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO

It's been a while since we heard from the World Health Organization, a&nbsp;body which in its attempts to please China&nbsp;left the world unprepared to deal with this pandemic.

WHO downplayed the threat and&nbsp;tried to coverup, and eventually delayed the global response.

WION has discussed all these crimes in detail several times in the past. We were even promised an interview to clarify, but the WHO Chief chickened out.

So, we decided to find out just what the body has been upto after failing to live up to its core mission. What we found out is quite worrying.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-who-quietly-changes-coronavirus-timeline-310590/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinablockswion-readers-stand-in-solidarity-with-us-310490">Also read|&nbsp;#ChinaBlocksWION: Readers stand in solidarity with us</a>

The World Health Organization has quietly altered the sequence of events that led to this pandemic, in simpler words, the WHO&nbsp;has changed the very timeline of the coronavirus pandemic.

For six months, WHO claimed that China informed it about the coronavirus on December 31. However, now it has taken a big U-turn

On December 31, 2019, WHO stated,&nbsp;"Wuhan municipal health commission reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan. A novel coronavirus was eventually identified."

WHO clearly stated that the virus was identified on December 31. This statement implied that the virus was reported to the WHO by China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-never-reported-the-existence-of-coronavirus-outbreak-admits-who-310466">Also read|&nbsp;China never reported the existence of coronavirus outbreak, admits WHO</a>

Now, the updated timeline has the same date but WHO has now said, "WHO's country office in the people's republic of china picked up a media statement by the Wuhan municipal health commission from their website on cases of 'viral pneumonia' in Wuhan."

The mention of coronavirus being identified has quietly been removed. The fact that it was reported too has been blacked out. WHO is clearly stating that China did not report the existence of this virus on December 31.

This is not the only change that has been made. The archived timeline stated that on January 01, "WHO had put itself on an emergency footing for dealing with the outbreak..."

"Emergency footing" has smartly been rephrased into "coordinating activities" and an addition has been made.

The WHO says that it "requested information on the reported cluster in Wuhan from Chinese authorities". It took six months for this body to realise it was yet to receive information from China.

Why didn't it clarify back then that no information was provided? If altering information wasn't enough,&nbsp;the WHO has added new dates. The previous timeline made no mention that the WHO received information from China on january 03. This information has smartly been slipped into the new timeline.

"3 january 2020, Chinese officials provided information to WHO on the cluster of cases of viral pneumonia of unknown cause identified in Wuhan"

For six months, the WHO Chief publicly praised China's response. The organization&nbsp;urged the world to not politicise this pandemic, and now they're saying that china never provided information about the coronavirus.

These changes have not only exposed China further, but they have dented the WHO's credibility altogether.

WION strongly feels that the World Health Organization should be held accountable for facilitating this pandemic.

It's been a while since we heard from the World Health Organization, a body which in its attempts to please China left the world unprepared to deal with this pandemic.

It's been a while since we heard from the World Health Organization, a body which in its attempts to please China left the world unprepared to deal with this pandemic. WHO downplayed the threat and tried to coverup, and eventually delayed the global response. WION has discussed all these crimes in detail several times in the past. We were even promised an interview to clarify, but the WHO Chief chickened out. So, we decided to find out just what the body has been upto after failing to live up to its core mission. What we found out is quite worrying. Also read| #ChinaBlocksWION: Readers stand in solidarity with us The World Health Organization has quietly altered the sequence of events that led to this pandemic, in simpler words, the WHO has changed the very timeline of the coronavirus pandemic. For six months, WHO claimed that China informed it about the coronavirus on December 31. However, now it has taken a big U-turn On December 31, 2019, WHO stated, "Wuhan municipal health commission reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan. A novel coronavirus was eventually identified." WHO clearly stated that the virus was identified on December 31. This statement implied that the virus was reported to the WHO by China. Also read| China never reported the existence of coronavirus outbreak, admits WHO Now, the updated timeline has the same date but WHO has now said, "WHO's country office in the people's republic of china picked up a media statement by the Wuhan municipal health commission from their website on cases of 'viral pneumonia' in Wuhan." The mention of coronavirus being identified has quietly been removed. The fact that it was reported too has been blacked out. WHO is clearly stating that China did not report the existence of this virus on December 31. This is not the only change that has been made. The archived timeline stated that on January 01, "WHO had put itself on an emergency footing for dealing with the outbreak..." "Emergency footing" has smartly been rephrased into "coordinating activities" and an addition has been made. The WHO says that it "requested information on the reported cluster in Wuhan from Chinese authorities". It took six months for this body to realise it was yet to receive information from China. Why didn't it clarify back then that no information was provided? If altering information wasn't enough, the WHO has added new dates. The previous timeline made no mention that the WHO received information from China on january 03. This information has smartly been slipped into the new timeline. "3 january 2020, Chinese officials provided information to WHO on the cluster of cases of viral pneumonia of unknown cause identified in Wuhan" For six months, the WHO Chief publicly praised China's response. The organization urged the world to not politicise this pandemic, and now they're saying that china never provided information about the coronavirus. These changes have not only exposed China further, but they have dented the WHO's credibility altogether. WION strongly feels that the World Health Organization should be held accountable for facilitating this pandemic.

COVID-19: WHO takes a U-turn on China; admits China never reported coronavirus

The World Health Organization backtracked on its attestation that the Chinese government alarmed the United Nations office about the flare-up of deadly coronavirus. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-news-as-china-warns-of-another-pandemic-from-pigs-who-insists-to-not-let-our-guard-down-309643">Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down'</a> 
 
According to the American weekly news magazine The Washington Examiner, WHO changed the official timeline on their website removing the information about China reporting "a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan".

"The WHO quietly updated its “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” on Tuesday following the House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans' mid-June Interim Report on Origins of COVID-19 Pandemic (led by ranking member and China task force Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas), which concluded that “despite public reporting to the contrary ... China never notified the WHO about the outbreak in Wuhan," reported The Washington Examiner.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccines-trial-on-pigs-shows-promise-with-two-shots-307935" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots</a>

The original “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” said:

December 31, 2019: Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, China, reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province. A novel coronavirus was eventually identified.

The changed version says:

December 31, 2019: WHO’s Country Office in the People’s Republic of China picked up a media statement by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission from their website on cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.

Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer.

The United States remains by far the worst affected country&nbsp;with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths).

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization backtracked on its attestation that the Chinese government alarmed the United Nations office about the flare-up of deadly coronavirus.

The World Health Organization backtracked on its attestation that the Chinese government alarmed the United Nations office about the flare-up of deadly coronavirus. Also read: As China warns of another pandemic from pigs, WHO insists to 'not let our guard down' According to the American weekly news magazine The Washington Examiner, WHO changed the official timeline on their website removing the information about China reporting "a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan". "The WHO quietly updated its “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” on Tuesday following the House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans' mid-June Interim Report on Origins of COVID-19 Pandemic (led by ranking member and China task force Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas), which concluded that “despite public reporting to the contrary ... China never notified the WHO about the outbreak in Wuhan," reported The Washington Examiner. Also read: AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine's trial on pigs shows promise with two shots The original “Timeline of WHO’s response to COVID-19” said: December 31, 2019: Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, China, reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei Province. A novel coronavirus was eventually identified. The changed version says: December 31, 2019: WHO’s Country Office in the People’s Republic of China picked up a media statement by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission from their website on cases of ‘viral pneumonia’ in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. Meanwhile, 10,992,462 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19 so far. Of them, 6,140,758 have recovered, and 524,039 have died, according to Worldometer. The United States remains by far the worst affected country with 2,836,875 coronavirus cases and 131,477 deaths. It is followed by Brazil (1,501,353 cases, deaths 61,990), Russia (661,165 cases, 9,683 deaths), and India (627,168 cases, 18,225 deaths). (With inputs from agencies)

China never reported the existence of coronavirus outbreak, admits WHO

Xi Jinping's wife Peng Liyuan has been named as a goodwill ambassador by the World Health Organisation. Not too long ago, U.N.E.S.C.O had appointed China's first lady as a special envoy for Women's education. Is this proof of how the Chinese regime controls global bodies? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Xi Jinping's wife is W.H.O goodwill ambassador

A new report has now unveiled how China withheld data on Coronavirus pandemic - leaving officers of the World Health Organisation 'frustrated'. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how the WHO was given little data or access during the crucial weeks at the beginning of the outbreak.

Gravitas: WHO's internal documents reveal China's 'cover-up'

Taiwan has stayed firm in front of China by refusing to accept the "one country, two systems" model and it does not want to bow before Beijing's will.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-inaugural-speech-after-re-election-taiwan-president-challenges-china-299994">Also Read:&nbsp;In inaugural speech after re-election, Taiwan President challenges China</a>

Taiwan still wants the observer status at the World Health Organisation(WHO) and has been pushing for it aggressively. It wanted to attend the World Health Assembly but, its campaign came to a grinding halt.

The World Health Assembly concluded on Tuesday. It went on for two days as leaders from around the world made speeches. There was even a resolution for a probe into the response.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-no-seat-for-taiwan-at-who-300025/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But Taiwan was kept out. In fact, the demand for an observer status to Taiwan was not even part of the agenda. Before the World Health Assembly, the world was singing Taiwan's praises. It's response to the coronavirus is among the world's best. The argument was that Taiwan's example could help the rest of the world.

However, the question is what derailed Taiwan's campaign? The United States was leading the effort trying to convince allies to support Taiwan.

After the failed bid, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo blamed it on politics. He issued a statement criticising the World Health Organisation. Pompeo blamed WHO director general Dr Tedros. In a statement, he said that Dr Tedros has the power, and the precedent to include Taiwan. Clearly, the support that Taiwan needed wasn't there.

The United States admitted it during the World Health Assembly. The statement was made by an American diplomat rebutting China. He was responding to the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations who had earlier objected to America's statement of support to Taiwan.

Both the United States and China were sparring on Taiwan till the end of the assembly. Taiwan's status disrupted the most important meeting on public health. The World Health Assembly did not have much to offer this time except for that one resolution demanding for a probe into the COVID-19 global response.&nbsp;

However, irrespective of the lack of diplomatic support, Taiwan will emerged stronger out of the pandemic. China may have managed to ward off the Taiwan threat for now but, Taiwan is not out of the picture, just yet.

Taiwan has stayed firm in front of China by refusing to accept the "one country, two systems" model and it does not want to bow before Beijing's will. Also Read: In inaugural speech after re-election, Taiwan President challenges China Taiwan still wants the observer status at the World Health Organisation(WHO) and has been pushing for it aggressively.

Taiwan has stayed firm in front of China by refusing to accept the "one country, two systems" model and it does not want to bow before Beijing's will. Also Read: In inaugural speech after re-election, Taiwan President challenges China Taiwan still wants the observer status at the World Health Organisation(WHO) and has been pushing for it aggressively. It wanted to attend the World Health Assembly but, its campaign came to a grinding halt. The World Health Assembly concluded on Tuesday. It went on for two days as leaders from around the world made speeches. There was even a resolution for a probe into the response. But Taiwan was kept out. In fact, the demand for an observer status to Taiwan was not even part of the agenda. Before the World Health Assembly, the world was singing Taiwan's praises. It's response to the coronavirus is among the world's best. The argument was that Taiwan's example could help the rest of the world. However, the question is what derailed Taiwan's campaign? The United States was leading the effort trying to convince allies to support Taiwan. After the failed bid, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo blamed it on politics. He issued a statement criticising the World Health Organisation. Pompeo blamed WHO director general Dr Tedros. In a statement, he said that Dr Tedros has the power, and the precedent to include Taiwan. Clearly, the support that Taiwan needed wasn't there. The United States admitted it during the World Health Assembly. The statement was made by an American diplomat rebutting China. He was responding to the Chinese ambassador to the United Nations who had earlier objected to America's statement of support to Taiwan. Both the United States and China were sparring on Taiwan till the end of the assembly. Taiwan's status disrupted the most important meeting on public health. The World Health Assembly did not have much to offer this time except for that one resolution demanding for a probe into the COVID-19 global response. However, irrespective of the lack of diplomatic support, Taiwan will emerged stronger out of the pandemic. China may have managed to ward off the Taiwan threat for now but, Taiwan is not out of the picture, just yet.

US, China spar over Taiwan at World Health Assembly

All eyes are on the World Health Assembly (WHA) meet of the World Health Organisation (WHO), where major decisions regarding the furture course of treatment of COVID-19 will be taken.

The coronavirus, which has claimed over 3,20,957 lives and has infected 49,27,523 people across the world, broke out in China's Wuhan in December 2019.

The world has since been questioning China and the WHO over their handling of the deadly virus.

The WHA, to this end, has become nothing short of a ground for blame game -- between the United States and China.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-china-fight-dominates-world-health-assembly-299783/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $2 billion over the next two years to help deal with COVID-19, especially in developing countries.

The amount almost matches the WHO’s entire annual programme budget for last year, and more than compensates for Trump’s freeze of U.S. payments worth about $400 million a year.

United States President Donald Trump -- who did not attend the meeting personally -- said later in Washington that the WHO, which he called a “puppet of China”, had “done a very sad job” in its handling of the coronavirus and he would make a decision about U.S. funding to the body soon.

“The United States pays them $450 million a year; China pays them $38 million a year. And they’re a puppet of China. They’re China-centric, to put it nicer, but they’re a puppet of China,” Trump told reporters at a White House event.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-and-china-spat-over-coronavirus-inquiry-gets-uglier-299755">Also read | Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry gets uglier</a>

Trump has already suspended US funding for the WHO after accusing it of being too China-centric, and at the same time led international criticism of Beijing’s perceived lack of transparency in the early stages of the crisis.

He also posted a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, dated Monday, on his Twitter page overnight.

Among other things, Trump pointed to his decision to suspend US contributions to the WHO pending a review of its actions in response to the outbreak.

He faulted its "repeated missteps" in the response to the pandemic, saying they have proven "very costly for the world".&nbsp;

The four-page letter ended with a threat. Trump said he wanted the WHO to commit to "substantive improvements" within 30 days; "else, the US would permanently cut off funding to them.

A spokeswoman for the World Health Organisation, to this end, said the UN health agency doesn't have an immediate reaction to a letter from US President Donald Trump that listed his complaints against it, including that it had shown "an alarming lack of independence" from China in its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, however, defended the agency's role after the United States again withheld full support for a resolution on the pandemic.

WHO officials running the meeting clapped and cheered after the resolution was passed without a vote hours after Trump tweeted his threat to pull the United States out of the body. It calls for a review into the WHO-led global response, something the United States has demanded.

The entire rigmarole hence brings the narrative to a pertinent question -- will there be an outcome of this WHA meet? Or will the credibility of the WHO be the ultimate casualty of the coronavirus pandemic?

 
&nbsp;

All eyes are on the World Health Assembly (WHA) meet of the World Health Organisation (WHO), where major decisions regarding the furture course of treatment of COVID-19 will be taken.

All eyes are on the World Health Assembly (WHA) meet of the World Health Organisation (WHO), where major decisions regarding the furture course of treatment of COVID-19 will be taken. The coronavirus, which has claimed over 3,20,957 lives and has infected 49,27,523 people across the world, broke out in China's Wuhan in December 2019. The world has since been questioning China and the WHO over their handling of the deadly virus. The WHA, to this end, has become nothing short of a ground for blame game -- between the United States and China. Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $2 billion over the next two years to help deal with COVID-19, especially in developing countries. The amount almost matches the WHO’s entire annual programme budget for last year, and more than compensates for Trump’s freeze of U.S. payments worth about $400 million a year. United States President Donald Trump -- who did not attend the meeting personally -- said later in Washington that the WHO, which he called a “puppet of China”, had “done a very sad job” in its handling of the coronavirus and he would make a decision about U.S. funding to the body soon. “The United States pays them $450 million a year; China pays them $38 million a year. And they’re a puppet of China. They’re China-centric, to put it nicer, but they’re a puppet of China,” Trump told reporters at a White House event. Also read | Australia and China spat over coronavirus inquiry gets uglier Trump has already suspended US funding for the WHO after accusing it of being too China-centric, and at the same time led international criticism of Beijing’s perceived lack of transparency in the early stages of the crisis. He also posted a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, dated Monday, on his Twitter page overnight. Among other things, Trump pointed to his decision to suspend US contributions to the WHO pending a review of its actions in response to the outbreak. He faulted its "repeated missteps" in the response to the pandemic, saying they have proven "very costly for the world". The four-page letter ended with a threat. Trump said he wanted the WHO to commit to "substantive improvements" within 30 days; "else, the US would permanently cut off funding to them. A spokeswoman for the World Health Organisation, to this end, said the UN health agency doesn't have an immediate reaction to a letter from US President Donald Trump that listed his complaints against it, including that it had shown "an alarming lack of independence" from China in its response to the coronavirus outbreak. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, however, defended the agency's role after the United States again withheld full support for a resolution on the pandemic. WHO officials running the meeting clapped and cheered after the resolution was passed without a vote hours after Trump tweeted his threat to pull the United States out of the body. It calls for a review into the WHO-led global response, something the United States has demanded. The entire rigmarole hence brings the narrative to a pertinent question -- will there be an outcome of this WHA meet? Or will the credibility of the WHO be the ultimate casualty of the coronavirus pandemic?

Can WHA meet save WHO's credibility from becoming coronavirus' ultimate casualty?

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;threatened to permanently halt US funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) if the body does not commit to "major substantive improvements" in the next 30 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-health-organisation-a-puppet-of-china-trump-says-as-he-mulls-slashing-us-funding-299543">Also read: World Health Organisation a 'puppet of China', Trump says as he mulls slashing US funding</a> 
 
In a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Trump said, "It is clear the repeated missteps by you and your organization in responding to the pandemic have been extremely costly for the world. The only way forward for the World Health Organization is if it can demonstrate independence from China." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-initiate-independent-evaluation-at-earliest-appropriate-moment-who-chief-on-coronavirus-pandemic-299468">Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment — WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic</a>

"My administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organization. But action is needed quickly. We do not have time to waste." 
 
Trump also said that even after declaring Covid-19 outbreak, the WHO failed to press China for the timely admittance of a team of international medical experts. 
 
The letter on official White House letterhead, screenshots of which were posted to Twitter, comes after Trump temporarily halted funding to the organization last month.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! <a href="https://t.co/pF2kzPUpDv">pic.twitter.com/pF2kzPUpDv</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1262577580718395393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He further said that the WHO knew about a major public health concern in Wuhan by December 30, 2019, which was also communicated by Taiwanese authorities. “But the WHO chose not to share any of this critical information with the rest of the world, probably for political reasons.”

"The US funds $400 million to $500 million to the WHO each year," Trump said at the time, noting that China "contributes roughly $40 million."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump threatened to permanently halt US funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) if the body does not commit to "major substantive improvements" in the next 30 days.

US President Donald Trump threatened to permanently halt US funding for the World Health Organization (WHO) if the body does not commit to "major substantive improvements" in the next 30 days. Also read: World Health Organisation a 'puppet of China', Trump says as he mulls slashing US funding In a letter to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Trump said, "It is clear the repeated missteps by you and your organization in responding to the pandemic have been extremely costly for the world. The only way forward for the World Health Organization is if it can demonstrate independence from China." Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment — WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic "My administration has already started discussions with you on how to reform the organization. But action is needed quickly. We do not have time to waste." Trump also said that even after declaring Covid-19 outbreak, the WHO failed to press China for the timely admittance of a team of international medical experts. The letter on official White House letterhead, screenshots of which were posted to Twitter, comes after Trump temporarily halted funding to the organization last month. This is the letter sent to Dr. Tedros of the World Health Organization. It is self-explanatory! pic.twitter.com/pF2kzPUpDv — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 19, 2020 × He further said that the WHO knew about a major public health concern in Wuhan by December 30, 2019, which was also communicated by Taiwanese authorities. “But the WHO chose not to share any of this critical information with the rest of the world, probably for political reasons.” "The US funds $400 million to $500 million to the WHO each year," Trump said at the time, noting that China "contributes roughly $40 million." (With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump threatens to permanently pull funding from WHO

South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaking at the World Health Assembly through a video linik said on Monday&nbsp;that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-initiate-independent-evaluation-at-earliest-appropriate-moment-who-chief-on-coronavirus-pandemic-299468">vaccines</a> and treatments are "public goods" that must be "distributed equitably to the whole world".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-in-medical-arms-race-over-coronavirus-vaccine-299503">Also Read: US, China in 'medical arms race' over coronavirus vaccine</a>

"South Korea fully supports the efforts of the WHO to develop vaccines and treatments," the president added while addressing the UN health body through video conferencing.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Such vaccines and treatments are public goods that must be distributed equitably to the whole world. 
The Republic of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Korea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Korea</a> fully supports the efforts of the WHO to develop vaccines and treatments. 
 
-🇰🇷 President <a href="https://twitter.com/moonriver365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@moonriver365</a> at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHA73?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHA73</a><a href="https://t.co/pXl4iQyqdz">pic.twitter.com/pXl4iQyqdz</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1262424787776872455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

French President Emmanuel Macron speaking at the World Health Assembly through a video link said that "only if we join forces will we beat this pandemic," adding, "we need a strong WHO."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amid-coronavirus-pandemic-india-backs-probe-demand-299511">Also Read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, India backs probe demand</a>

"The coronavirus pandemic has of course turned our lives and our societies upside down. It's reminded us how valuable human health is, and how valuable those who work to protect i," the French president added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Together with WHO, we achieved 📈 life expectancy, reduced child mortality, eradicated fatal diseases e.g. smallpox, waging against TB, malaria &amp; HIV, 📈 access to medical treatment, vaccination, strengthen health systems 
- 🇫🇷 <a href="https://twitter.com/EmmanuelMacron?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmmanuelMacron</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHA73?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHA73</a><a href="https://t.co/z7nimKRvRF">pic.twitter.com/z7nimKRvRF</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1262397927282094081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"This is one of the most important assemblies in the history of the WHO. It must be a moment for unity, solidarity, clear thought and action in the face of what is an unprecedented global crisis affecting all of us," Macron asserted.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country will work with the UN to set up a global humanitarian response depot and hub in China to ensure the operation of COVID-19 pandemic response supply chains.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaking at the World Health Assembly through a video linik said on Monday that vaccines and treatments are "public goods" that must be "distributed equitably to the whole world".

South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaking at the World Health Assembly through a video linik said on Monday that vaccines and treatments are "public goods" that must be "distributed equitably to the whole world". Also Read: US, China in 'medical arms race' over coronavirus vaccine "South Korea fully supports the efforts of the WHO to develop vaccines and treatments," the president added while addressing the UN health body through video conferencing. Such vaccines and treatments are public goods that must be distributed equitably to the whole world. The Republic of #Korea fully supports the efforts of the WHO to develop vaccines and treatments. -🇰🇷 President @moonriver365 at #WHA73pic.twitter.com/pXl4iQyqdz — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 18, 2020 × French President Emmanuel Macron speaking at the World Health Assembly through a video link said that "only if we join forces will we beat this pandemic," adding, "we need a strong WHO." Also Read: Amid coronavirus pandemic, India backs probe demand "The coronavirus pandemic has of course turned our lives and our societies upside down. It's reminded us how valuable human health is, and how valuable those who work to protect i," the French president added. Together with WHO, we achieved 📈 life expectancy, reduced child mortality, eradicated fatal diseases e.g. smallpox, waging against TB, malaria & HIV, 📈 access to medical treatment, vaccination, strengthen health systems - 🇫🇷 @EmmanuelMacron #WHA73pic.twitter.com/z7nimKRvRF — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 18, 2020 × "This is one of the most important assemblies in the history of the WHO. It must be a moment for unity, solidarity, clear thought and action in the face of what is an unprecedented global crisis affecting all of us," Macron asserted. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that his country will work with the UN to set up a global humanitarian response depot and hub in China to ensure the operation of COVID-19 pandemic response supply chains.

Vaccine must be distributed equitably to the whole world: South Korea President Moon Jae-in at World Health Assembly

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday.

In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The world wants accountability and solutions and focus will be on India since the country will take over as chair of the WHO executive board - the highest decision making body of the WHO.

India will lead the executive board for three years and on Monday it will have to pick a side. There will be a vote on Monday and India will have to make its position clear.

The vote will be on Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO. Taiwan has been campaigning to attend the world health assembly with China opposing it, however, many countries now support Taiwan but&nbsp;India is keeping its cards close to its chest at the same time Delhi is in talks with the bloc that's backing Taiwan.

Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has participated in at least seven group calls. He has been speaking to his counterparts in the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam since March 20 once every week.

Four out of these seven nations have been backing Taiwan along with the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have signed a demarche asking the WHO to allow Taiwan's return as an observer with other countries who have signed the demarche including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.

So far, India has stuck to the "One-China" policy but&nbsp;New Delhi has several reasons to shift its long-standing position.

Firstly, a look at the list of countries that back the demarche on Taiwan shows at least four countries - the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia as top trading partners of China but they are willing to take a stand despite the risk of repercussions. Beijing says this bloc is trying to "kidnap" the world health assembly but India shouldn't fall for the rhetoric from Beijing.

India must back Taiwan in its own national interest. At a time, when faulty Chinese supplies pushed back India's fight against the pandemic, Taiwan's support has been steady. It donated one million masks for medical personnel in India. The other reason why India must back Taiwan is China's repeated violations of India's sovereignty.

The border violations and&nbsp;the repeated attempts to block Indian initiatives at the United Nations just to keep Pakistan happy. On Monday, the world health assembly will hold a vote on whether Taiwan should be allowed as an observer at the WHO, India's vote could very well decide the fate of Taiwan.

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday. In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In two days' time all eyes will be on India as the world health assembly kicks off on Monday. In normal circumstances it would have been the annual gathering of the world's highest body that sets health policy, however, this time, it is being tracked closely due to the coronavirus pandemic. The world wants accountability and solutions and focus will be on India since the country will take over as chair of the WHO executive board - the highest decision making body of the WHO. India will lead the executive board for three years and on Monday it will have to pick a side. There will be a vote on Monday and India will have to make its position clear. The vote will be on Taiwan's inclusion in the WHO. Taiwan has been campaigning to attend the world health assembly with China opposing it, however, many countries now support Taiwan but India is keeping its cards close to its chest at the same time Delhi is in talks with the bloc that's backing Taiwan. Foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has participated in at least seven group calls. He has been speaking to his counterparts in the US, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Vietnam since March 20 once every week. Four out of these seven nations have been backing Taiwan along with the United States, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. They have signed a demarche asking the WHO to allow Taiwan's return as an observer with other countries who have signed the demarche including Canada, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. So far, India has stuck to the "One-China" policy but New Delhi has several reasons to shift its long-standing position. Firstly, a look at the list of countries that back the demarche on Taiwan shows at least four countries - the United States, Japan, Germany and Australia as top trading partners of China but they are willing to take a stand despite the risk of repercussions. Beijing says this bloc is trying to "kidnap" the world health assembly but India shouldn't fall for the rhetoric from Beijing. India must back Taiwan in its own national interest. At a time, when faulty Chinese supplies pushed back India's fight against the pandemic, Taiwan's support has been steady. It donated one million masks for medical personnel in India. The other reason why India must back Taiwan is China's repeated violations of India's sovereignty. The border violations and the repeated attempts to block Indian initiatives at the United Nations just to keep Pakistan happy. On Monday, the world health assembly will hold a vote on whether Taiwan should be allowed as an observer at the WHO, India's vote could very well decide the fate of Taiwan.

WHO's decision making body to meet with all eyes on India

Taiwan's Health Minister,&nbsp;Chen Shih-chung has rejected China's primary condition for its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO).

China had asked Taiwan to accept that&nbsp;''it is part of China'', ahead of WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744" hreflang="en">How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

China's foreign ministry said on thursday that Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party refused to do this, and so the political foundation for Taiwan's WHO&nbsp;participation had "ceased to exist".

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei to press home Taiwan's desire to take part, Cheng&nbsp;said there was no way Taiwan would do this.

"I&nbsp;have no way to accept something which does not exist," he&nbsp;said, adding That taiwan would not give up efforts to attend the health assembly, even though it has not received an invitation.

While China&nbsp;says it has the right to represent Taiwan on the international stage, Taiwan says that only its democratically elected government can speak for the island's 23 million people.

"We can represent our own people," Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Hsieh told the same news conference in taipei. "We hope the who can set aside political considerations, and be neutral and professional."

Non-who member Taiwan has lobbied to take part as an observer in the meeting,&nbsp;drawing strong objections from Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces.

The issue has taken on broader diplomatic significance thanks to the strong support &nbsp;the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are supporting Taiwan's presence despite&nbsp;China's warnings.

Taiwan says the coronavirus pandemic has made it more urgent than ever that it be allowed proper access to the WHO. 
 
&nbsp;

Taiwan's Health Minister, Chen Shih-chung has rejected China's primary condition for its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). China had asked Taiwan to accept that ''it is part of China'', ahead of WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday.

Taiwan's Health Minister, Chen Shih-chung has rejected China's primary condition for its participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). China had asked Taiwan to accept that ''it is part of China'', ahead of WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China China's foreign ministry said on thursday that Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party refused to do this, and so the political foundation for Taiwan's WHO participation had "ceased to exist". Speaking at a news conference in Taipei to press home Taiwan's desire to take part, Cheng said there was no way Taiwan would do this. "I have no way to accept something which does not exist," he said, adding That taiwan would not give up efforts to attend the health assembly, even though it has not received an invitation. While China says it has the right to represent Taiwan on the international stage, Taiwan says that only its democratically elected government can speak for the island's 23 million people. "We can represent our own people," Taiwan Deputy Foreign Minister Kelly Hsieh told the same news conference in taipei. "We hope the who can set aside political considerations, and be neutral and professional." Non-who member Taiwan has lobbied to take part as an observer in the meeting, drawing strong objections from Beijing, which considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces. The issue has taken on broader diplomatic significance thanks to the strong support the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are supporting Taiwan's presence despite China's warnings. Taiwan says the coronavirus pandemic has made it more urgent than ever that it be allowed proper access to the WHO.

Taiwan rejects China's primary condition for WHO participation

Denying Taiwan the membership of&nbsp;the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic&nbsp;endangered its citizens and undermined global information sharing, according to a US congressional report.

The report&nbsp;published by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) claimed that&nbsp;WHO had sidelined&nbsp;Taiwan due to&nbsp;China’s ''immense influence and pressure'' on it causing “critical delays” to health guidance on the coronavirus outbreak for the organisation’s member states.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-berates-new-zealand-over-support-for-taiwan-at-who-298258" hreflang="en">China berates New Zealand over support for Taiwan at WHO</a>

The brief&nbsp;reports to the US Congress on national security issues.

As per the report ''had the WHO allowed Taiwan’s health experts to share information and best practices in early January, governments around the world could have had more complete information on which to base their public health policies.''

''The WHO’s suppression of information provided by Taiwan and the delayed issuance of its own guidance undermined the national security of the very member states trusting it for authoritative public health guidance.''

Nations including the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan for Taiwan to attend the WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday.

Earlier, China's foreign ministry also hit out at Taiwan over allegations that Beijing signed a secret agreement with the World Health Organization to exclude the self-ruled island, saying "it is not a secret".

"There is no need for us to sign a memorandum with any international organization to assert that Taiwan is part of China," said Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The WHO has in the past rejected accusations of&nbsp;favouring Beijing, saying its experts recognised the “very successful response” of Taiwanese health authorities to the pandemic and had worked with them on a technical level.

India&nbsp;has an important role to play as its&nbsp;nominee is set to be the next chairperson of the WHO's executive board for the next three years.

India's&nbsp;strategic allies&nbsp;expect its support to them against China's disproportionate influence at this health body.

China has shown scant regard for India's territorial integrity from calling Aunachal Pradesh their own to funding infrastructure projects in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The Chinese embassy spokesperson, Wolf Warrior, Ji Rong,&nbsp;launched salvos of persistent tweets prior&nbsp;the WHO session.

Tweets aimed at reminding India that Taiwan is an 'inalienable part of China' and this is the 'widely accepted universal consensus of the international community'

The Chinese embassy in New Delhi also wants India to adhere to the 'one-China principle.'

All eyes will be on the country's strategy, as its External affairs minister S. Jaishankar attended a seven-nation virtual meeting of foreign ministers. This meeting was convened by the US&nbsp;secretary of state, Mike Pompeo.

Reports indicate&nbsp;that the meeting was part of Washington's efforts to gain support for changes at the WHO.

However, the MEA&nbsp;declined to comment on whether Taiwan was discussed. 
&nbsp;

Denying Taiwan the membership of the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic endangered its citizens and undermined global information sharing, according to a US congressional report.

Denying Taiwan the membership of the World Health Organization during the coronavirus pandemic endangered its citizens and undermined global information sharing, according to a US congressional report. The report published by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) claimed that WHO had sidelined Taiwan due to China’s ''immense influence and pressure'' on it causing “critical delays” to health guidance on the coronavirus outbreak for the organisation’s member states. Also read: China berates New Zealand over support for Taiwan at WHO The brief reports to the US Congress on national security issues. As per the report ''had the WHO allowed Taiwan’s health experts to share information and best practices in early January, governments around the world could have had more complete information on which to base their public health policies.'' ''The WHO’s suppression of information provided by Taiwan and the delayed issuance of its own guidance undermined the national security of the very member states trusting it for authoritative public health guidance.'' Nations including the United States, European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan for Taiwan to attend the WHO’s World Health Assembly, which gets under way online on Monday. Earlier, China's foreign ministry also hit out at Taiwan over allegations that Beijing signed a secret agreement with the World Health Organization to exclude the self-ruled island, saying "it is not a secret". "There is no need for us to sign a memorandum with any international organization to assert that Taiwan is part of China," said Zhao Lijian, spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The WHO has in the past rejected accusations of favouring Beijing, saying its experts recognised the “very successful response” of Taiwanese health authorities to the pandemic and had worked with them on a technical level. India has an important role to play as its nominee is set to be the next chairperson of the WHO's executive board for the next three years. India's strategic allies expect its support to them against China's disproportionate influence at this health body. China has shown scant regard for India's territorial integrity from calling Aunachal Pradesh their own to funding infrastructure projects in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The Chinese embassy spokesperson, Wolf Warrior, Ji Rong, launched salvos of persistent tweets prior the WHO session. Tweets aimed at reminding India that Taiwan is an 'inalienable part of China' and this is the 'widely accepted universal consensus of the international community' The Chinese embassy in New Delhi also wants India to adhere to the 'one-China principle.' All eyes will be on the country's strategy, as its External affairs minister S. Jaishankar attended a seven-nation virtual meeting of foreign ministers. This meeting was convened by the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo. Reports indicate that the meeting was part of Washington's efforts to gain support for changes at the WHO. However, the MEA declined to comment on whether Taiwan was discussed.

WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report

What else has the Chinese regime stolen?&nbsp;Did it rob the world of time&nbsp;needed to prepare for this pandemic? This is a question that has been debated for months, but there has been no conclusive outcome.

A media report in Germany has now reignited this debate. Some very pertinent questions are being asked.&nbsp;Questions like is there an active hotline between the presidential office in Beijing and the W.H.O headquarters in Geneva? Did XI Jinping dial Dr. Tedros to delay a global warning on the coronavirus outbreak?&nbsp;Did the Chinese President personally urge the W.H.O Chief to hold back information about human to human transmission?&nbsp;

Der Spiegel,&nbsp;a German news outlet says he did.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-chinese-websites-claim-kyrgyzstan-kazakhstan-part-of-china-draws-ire-of-central-asia-298057">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia</a>

The allegations were released in a bombshell report this weekend. This report cites intelligence from germany's federal intelligence service. From a body which goes by the name of 'bun-des-nach-rich-ten-dienst' (bundes-nakh-rikh-tienst). So let's go by what its popularly known as: BND.

A body which is said to secretly operate in more than 100 countries, including China.

So, according to the BND,&nbsp;the Chinese President made a phone call to Dr. Tedros&nbsp;on the 21st of January.

The purpose was to make the W.H.O Chief hold back information about the coronavirus and delay a pandemic warning. The BND estimates that China's quote unquote 'information policy' lost the world some crucial weeks it needed to fight this virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-face-off-in-ladakh-sikkim-both-sides-suffer-injuries-297856">Also read:&nbsp;India, China face off in Ladakh, Sikkim; both sides suffer injuries</a>

These are some serious charges, and China has responded seriously,&nbsp;launched another offensive, duly supported by the WHO, which was quick to defend China.

The W.H.O has called these allegations unfounded, false and untrue. It says not only did President XI and Dr. Tedros not speak on the 21st of January, but they have never spoken by telephone.

The W.H.O statement self-righteously reads,&nbsp;"such innacurate reports distract and detract from the who's and the world's efforts to end the covid-19 pandemic."

It also carries a note saying&nbsp;that China confirmed human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus on the 20th of January. China agrees to this.

Guess who they deputed to issue a clarification?

Their most famous conspiracy theorist, the one who said the virus had come from the U.S and then made a u-turn,&nbsp;Zhao Lijian. He rebuked the organization behind these claims and shared some words of wisdom on ethical journalism.

"The chinese leader did not speak with the who director-general on january 21, and who has made detailed clarifications on it. We hope that the relevant media will strictly abide by the professional ethics of journalism and not disseminate false information," he said.

Do not disseminate false information' he says.&nbsp;Charity begins at home, we say. Start with disseminating true information. Where again did the coronavirus originate? This question still awaits an official answer from China.

Pray, shed some light.

What else has the Chinese regime stolen? Did it rob the world of time needed to prepare for this pandemic? This is a question that has been debated for months, but there has been no conclusive outcome.

What else has the Chinese regime stolen? Did it rob the world of time needed to prepare for this pandemic? This is a question that has been debated for months, but there has been no conclusive outcome. A media report in Germany has now reignited this debate. Some very pertinent questions are being asked. Questions like is there an active hotline between the presidential office in Beijing and the W.H.O headquarters in Geneva? Did XI Jinping dial Dr. Tedros to delay a global warning on the coronavirus outbreak? Did the Chinese President personally urge the W.H.O Chief to hold back information about human to human transmission? Der Spiegel, a German news outlet says he did. Also read: Now, Chinese websites claim Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan part of China; draws ire of Central Asia The allegations were released in a bombshell report this weekend. This report cites intelligence from germany's federal intelligence service. From a body which goes by the name of 'bun-des-nach-rich-ten-dienst' (bundes-nakh-rikh-tienst). So let's go by what its popularly known as: BND. A body which is said to secretly operate in more than 100 countries, including China. So, according to the BND, the Chinese President made a phone call to Dr. Tedros on the 21st of January. The purpose was to make the W.H.O Chief hold back information about the coronavirus and delay a pandemic warning. The BND estimates that China's quote unquote 'information policy' lost the world some crucial weeks it needed to fight this virus. Also read: India, China face off in Ladakh, Sikkim; both sides suffer injuries These are some serious charges, and China has responded seriously, launched another offensive, duly supported by the WHO, which was quick to defend China. The W.H.O has called these allegations unfounded, false and untrue. It says not only did President XI and Dr. Tedros not speak on the 21st of January, but they have never spoken by telephone. The W.H.O statement self-righteously reads, "such innacurate reports distract and detract from the who's and the world's efforts to end the covid-19 pandemic." It also carries a note saying that China confirmed human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus on the 20th of January. China agrees to this. Guess who they deputed to issue a clarification? Their most famous conspiracy theorist, the one who said the virus had come from the U.S and then made a u-turn, Zhao Lijian. He rebuked the organization behind these claims and shared some words of wisdom on ethical journalism. "The chinese leader did not speak with the who director-general on january 21, and who has made detailed clarifications on it. We hope that the relevant media will strictly abide by the professional ethics of journalism and not disseminate false information," he said. Do not disseminate false information' he says. Charity begins at home, we say. Start with disseminating true information. Where again did the coronavirus originate? This question still awaits an official answer from China. Pray, shed some light.

China withheld information on coronavirus: German news outlet

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing.

"They misled us," he said of the WHO on the coronavirus outbreak, on Wednesday.

"We will have a recommendation pretty soon but we are not happy with the WHO," Trump told reporters at his Oval Office of the White House.

Trump has launched an investigation into the WHO's role in the spread of coronavirus and have accused it of siding with China during the pandemic. The investigation would look into the role of China and as to how coronavirus spread from its Wuhan city.

"It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said.

Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO.

The president said that there are lots of different people whom the US can give this money to.

"We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," Trump said.

"They allow planes to come out and planes are coming out of Wuhan and they're coming out -- they are going all over the world. They are going to Italy very, very big time to Italy but they are going all over the world but they are not going into China," he said.

Trump had banned flights from China in the last week of January.&nbsp;

COVID-19, which broke out in China's Wuhan, has so far killed over 60,000 people in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-records-2502-coronavirus-deaths-in-past-24-hours-toll-tops-60000-295691">Also read |&nbsp;US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000</a>

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing.

United States President Donald Trump has termed the World Health Organisation "literally a pipe organ for China", adding the US would soon come out with its recommendations on the global body, followed by one on Beijing. "They misled us," he said of the WHO on the coronavirus outbreak, on Wednesday. "We will have a recommendation pretty soon but we are not happy with the WHO," Trump told reporters at his Oval Office of the White House. Trump has launched an investigation into the WHO's role in the spread of coronavirus and have accused it of siding with China during the pandemic. The investigation would look into the role of China and as to how coronavirus spread from its Wuhan city. "It [the investigation] is coming in and I am getting pieces already and we are not happy about it and we are by far the largest contributor to WHO,...And they misled us. I don't know. They must have known more than they knew because they came after what other people knew that weren't even involved," Trump said. Pending an investigation, the President has stopped US aid to the WHO. The president said that there are lots of different people whom the US can give this money to. "We can give this money to lots of different incredible groups. There are a lot of groups out there. It doesn't have to go to the WHO. We can give it to groups that are very worthy and get much more bang for your buck, but we're going to make a decision in the not-too-distant future," Trump said. "They allow planes to come out and planes are coming out of Wuhan and they're coming out -- they are going all over the world. They are going to Italy very, very big time to Italy but they are going all over the world but they are not going into China," he said. Trump had banned flights from China in the last week of January. COVID-19, which broke out in China's Wuhan, has so far killed over 60,000 people in the US. Also read | US records 2,502 coronavirus deaths in past 24 hours; toll tops 60,000

Trump terms World Health Organisation as 'a pipe organ for China'

World Health Organization's(WHO) regional director Hans Kluge said that there was "unimaginable human tragedy" at Europe's care homes with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-uk-death-toll-drops-in-last-24-hours-as-infection-cases-rise-294338">coronavirus </a>outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-sweden-shuts-chinas-confucius-institutes-294344">Also Read:&nbsp;Now, Sweden shuts China's Confucius institutes</a>

Kluge informed that "up to half of those who have died from COVID-19 were residents in long-term care facilities", while describing the situation as "deeply concerning".

Kluge asserted that there was "an immediate and urgent need to rethink and adjust how long-term care facilities operate."

"Even among very old people who are frail and live with multiple chronic conditions, many have a good chance of recovery if they are well-cared for," he added.

Meanwhile, &nbsp;WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said leaving the elderly population islated was a difficult thing to manage.

"These are trade-offs that are very difficult to manage," Ryan said.

"There are many, many older people living in long-term care facilities who at the best of times are lonely, and the last number of weeks has been a terrible ordeal for them, both to be further isolated but also with the constant threat of potentially becoming sick with this disease," Ryan stressed.

Europe has been the hardest hit due to the virus with Italy, Spain, France and Germany reporting high casulties with over 45,000 casautlites majority of them have been the elderly.

Nearly half of all reported cases of the new coronavirus worldwide have been registered in the WHO's European region, which stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

World Health Organization's(WHO) regional director Hans Kluge said that there was "unimaginable human tragedy" at Europe's care homes with the coronavirus outbreak.

World Health Organization's(WHO) regional director Hans Kluge said that there was "unimaginable human tragedy" at Europe's care homes with the coronavirus outbreak. Also Read: Now, Sweden shuts China's Confucius institutes Kluge informed that "up to half of those who have died from COVID-19 were residents in long-term care facilities", while describing the situation as "deeply concerning". Kluge asserted that there was "an immediate and urgent need to rethink and adjust how long-term care facilities operate." "Even among very old people who are frail and live with multiple chronic conditions, many have a good chance of recovery if they are well-cared for," he added. Meanwhile, WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said leaving the elderly population islated was a difficult thing to manage. "These are trade-offs that are very difficult to manage," Ryan said. "There are many, many older people living in long-term care facilities who at the best of times are lonely, and the last number of weeks has been a terrible ordeal for them, both to be further isolated but also with the constant threat of potentially becoming sick with this disease," Ryan stressed. Europe has been the hardest hit due to the virus with Italy, Spain, France and Germany reporting high casulties with over 45,000 casautlites majority of them have been the elderly. Nearly half of all reported cases of the new coronavirus worldwide have been registered in the WHO's European region, which stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific

Unimaginable human tragedy in Europe's care homes: WHO on COVID-19 epidemic

who-and-china

Who And China, News on Who And China, stories on Who And China, articles on Who And China, Who And China stories at Wion, Who And China news, Who And China latest news

who and-china