The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday that only one strain of the COVID-19 Delta variant first detected in India is now considered of concern, while two other strains had been downgraded.

WHO says only one strain of Delta variant is now of concern

Samples from a study suggesting the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=1">coronavirus</a> was circulating outside China by October 2019 have been re-tested at the World Health Organization's (WHO) request, two scientists who led the Italian research said.

There is growing international pressure to learn more about the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than three million people worldwide and US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> last week ordered his aides to find answers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-sees-probable-link-between-pfizer-vaccine-and-myocarditis-cases-388872" hreflang="en">Israel sees probable link between Pfizer vaccine and myocarditis cases</a>

The WHO said on Friday experts were preparing a proposal on the next studies to be carried out into the origins of the virus, but that there was no set timeline.

The UN body reacted to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-biden-orders-us-intelligence-to-redouble-efforts-to-collect-information-on-covid-19-origin-387626">Biden's announcement that intelligence agencies were pursuing rival theories</a>, including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China, by saying the search was being "poisoned by politics".&nbsp;

COVID-19 was first identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, while Italy's first patient was detected on February 21 last year in a small town near Milan.

However, a study published last year suggested antibodies to either the virus or a variant were detected in Italy in 2019.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-19-origins-was-the-virus-manipulated-in-a-lab-388674">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-covid-19-origins-was-the-virus-manipulated-in-a-lab-388674/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

That prompted Chinese state media to suggest the virus might not have originated in China, although the Italian researchers stressed the findings raised questions about when the virus first emerged rather than where.

"The WHO asked us if we could share the biological material and if we could re-run the tests in an independent laboratory. We accepted," Giovanni Apolone, scientific director of one of the lead institutions, the Milan Cancer Institute (INT), said.

The WHO's request has not previously been reported.

"WHO is in contact with the researchers that had published the original paper. A collaboration with partner laboratories has been set up for further testing," a WHO spokesman said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-covid-19-outbreak-rattles-china-cluster-grows-in-guangzhou-388878">Fresh COVID-19 outbreak rattles China, cluster grows in Guangzhou</a>

The spokesman said the WHO was aware that the researchers are planning to publish a follow-up report "in the near future".

He said the UN agency has contacted all researchers who have published or provided information on samples collected in 2019 that were reported to have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but does not yet have the final interpretation of the results.

The Italian researchers' findings, published by the INT's scientific magazine Tumori Journal, showed neutralising antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in blood taken from healthy volunteers in Italy in October 2019 during a lung cancer screening trial.

Most of the volunteers were from Lombardy, the northern region around Milan, which was the first and hardest hit by the virus in Italy.

"None of the studies published so far have ever questioned the geographical origin," Apolone told Reuters.

"The growing doubt is that the virus, probably less powerful compared to later months, was circulating in China long before the reported cases," Apolone added.

Dutch test

The WHO chose the laboratory of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam for the re-test, Emanuele Montomoli, co-author of the original study and professor of Public Health at the Molecular Medicine Department in the University of Siena, said.

The Erasmus University did not reply to requests for comment.

Italian researchers sent the team in Rotterdam 30 biological samples from October-December 2019 that they had found positive, 30 samples from the same period they had tested negative and 30 samples from as far back as 2018, negative.

"We sent them blind, that means our colleagues did not know which samples were positive and which negative," Apolone said.

"They rechecked our samples with commercial tests, which are much less sensitive than the ones we devised and validated," Montomoli said.

Despite the differences in the two detection methods, both Italian scientists said they were satisfied with the results, delivered to them in late February, adding that they could not comment further until the team of Italian and Dutch scientists have published their findings.

"We did not say in our study that we could establish without a doubt that the coronavirus, later sequenced in Wuhan, was already circulating in Italy in October," Montomoli said.

"We only found the response to the virus, namely the antibodies. So we can say that this coronavirus or a very similar one, perhaps a less transmissible variant, was circulating here in October," he added.

Samples from a study suggesting the coronavirus was circulating outside China by October 2019 have been re-tested at the World Health Organization's (WHO) request, two scientists who led the Italian research said.

Samples from a study suggesting the coronavirus was circulating outside China by October 2019 have been re-tested at the World Health Organization's (WHO) request, two scientists who led the Italian research said. There is growing international pressure to learn more about the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than three million people worldwide and US President Joe Biden last week ordered his aides to find answers. Also read | Israel sees probable link between Pfizer vaccine and myocarditis cases The WHO said on Friday experts were preparing a proposal on the next studies to be carried out into the origins of the virus, but that there was no set timeline. The UN body reacted to Biden's announcement that intelligence agencies were pursuing rival theories, including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China, by saying the search was being "poisoned by politics". COVID-19 was first identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, while Italy's first patient was detected on February 21 last year in a small town near Milan. However, a study published last year suggested antibodies to either the virus or a variant were detected in Italy in 2019. WATCH | That prompted Chinese state media to suggest the virus might not have originated in China, although the Italian researchers stressed the findings raised questions about when the virus first emerged rather than where. "The WHO asked us if we could share the biological material and if we could re-run the tests in an independent laboratory. We accepted," Giovanni Apolone, scientific director of one of the lead institutions, the Milan Cancer Institute (INT), said. The WHO's request has not previously been reported. "WHO is in contact with the researchers that had published the original paper. A collaboration with partner laboratories has been set up for further testing," a WHO spokesman said. Also read | Fresh COVID-19 outbreak rattles China, cluster grows in Guangzhou The spokesman said the WHO was aware that the researchers are planning to publish a follow-up report "in the near future". He said the UN agency has contacted all researchers who have published or provided information on samples collected in 2019 that were reported to have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but does not yet have the final interpretation of the results. The Italian researchers' findings, published by the INT's scientific magazine Tumori Journal, showed neutralising antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in blood taken from healthy volunteers in Italy in October 2019 during a lung cancer screening trial. Most of the volunteers were from Lombardy, the northern region around Milan, which was the first and hardest hit by the virus in Italy. "None of the studies published so far have ever questioned the geographical origin," Apolone told Reuters. "The growing doubt is that the virus, probably less powerful compared to later months, was circulating in China long before the reported cases," Apolone added. Dutch test The WHO chose the laboratory of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam for the re-test, Emanuele Montomoli, co-author of the original study and professor of Public Health at the Molecular Medicine Department in the University of Siena, said. The Erasmus University did not reply to requests for comment. Italian researchers sent the team in Rotterdam 30 biological samples from October-December 2019 that they had found positive, 30 samples from the same period they had tested negative and 30 samples from as far back as 2018, negative. "We sent them blind, that means our colleagues did not know which samples were positive and which negative," Apolone said. "They rechecked our samples with commercial tests, which are much less sensitive than the ones we devised and validated," Montomoli said. Despite the differences in the two detection methods, both Italian scientists said they were satisfied with the results, delivered to them in late February, adding that they could not comment further until the team of Italian and Dutch scientists have published their findings. "We did not say in our study that we could establish without a doubt that the coronavirus, later sequenced in Wuhan, was already circulating in Italy in October," Montomoli said. "We only found the response to the virus, namely the antibodies. So we can say that this coronavirus or a very similar one, perhaps a less transmissible variant, was circulating here in October," he added.

WHO asks for re-checks of research on when coronavirus first surfaced in Italy

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a new nomenclature for COVID-19 variants. The new system is based on the letters of the Greek alphabet to avoid stigmatising nations where they were first detected.

Letters of Greek alphabet to be used to name COVID-19 variants

The World Health Organisation will start COVID-19 vaccinations next week in north Yemen where the Houthi authorities in control have played down the impact of the pandemic, largely denying any outbreak there. 
 
Inoculations in parts of the Arabian Peninsula country run by Yemen`s Saudi-backed government began seven weeks ago, giving a boost to a healthcare system shattered by war, economic collapse and, recently, a shortfall in humanitarian aid funding. 
 
Houthi authorities, who control the capital Sanaa and most major urban areas in Yemen`s six-year conflict, have provided no coronavirus infection or fatality figures since a couple of cases in May 2020. But numbers of confirmed cases in the rest of Yemen started to rise rapidly in mid-February. 
 
The WHO`s representative in Yemen, Adham Abdel-Moneim, said 10,000 vaccine doses arrived at Sanaa airport on Monday and were put into cold storage. 
 
Only healthcare workers would be given the shots at this stage, beginning next week, at the health ministry in Sanaa "under the control and management of the WHO", he told Reuters on Tuesday. 
 
Yemen`s COVID-19 vaccination campaign began in government-held areas on April 20, using a first shipment of 360,000 doses of AstraZeneca`s vaccine from the global COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme. 
 
A batch of 10,000 of those doses intended for Houthi-run areas had been caught up in wrangling between parties over how it would be administered, according to humanitarian aid sources and Yemeni officials. 
 
The emergency coronavirus committee of the internationally recognised government, based in south Yemen, has recorded 6,742 coronavirus infections and 1,321 deaths so far, although the true figure is widely thought to be much higher as the war has restricted COVID-19 testing and reporting. 
 
Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday Houthi authorities have suppressed information about COVID-19 and undermined international efforts to provide vaccines in areas under their control. 
 
"Since the start of the pandemic in Yemen in April 2020, Houthi officials have actively spread disinformation about the virus and vaccines," the rights group said in a report. 
 
The Iran-aligned Houthi movement ousted the Saudi-backed Yemeni government from the capital Sanaa in late 2014.

The World Health Organisation will start COVID-19 vaccinations next week in north Yemen where the Houthi authorities in control have played down the impact of the pandemic, largely denying any outbreak there.

The World Health Organisation will start COVID-19 vaccinations next week in north Yemen where the Houthi authorities in control have played down the impact of the pandemic, largely denying any outbreak there. Inoculations in parts of the Arabian Peninsula country run by Yemen`s Saudi-backed government began seven weeks ago, giving a boost to a healthcare system shattered by war, economic collapse and, recently, a shortfall in humanitarian aid funding. Houthi authorities, who control the capital Sanaa and most major urban areas in Yemen`s six-year conflict, have provided no coronavirus infection or fatality figures since a couple of cases in May 2020. But numbers of confirmed cases in the rest of Yemen started to rise rapidly in mid-February. The WHO`s representative in Yemen, Adham Abdel-Moneim, said 10,000 vaccine doses arrived at Sanaa airport on Monday and were put into cold storage. Only healthcare workers would be given the shots at this stage, beginning next week, at the health ministry in Sanaa "under the control and management of the WHO", he told Reuters on Tuesday. Yemen`s COVID-19 vaccination campaign began in government-held areas on April 20, using a first shipment of 360,000 doses of AstraZeneca`s vaccine from the global COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme. A batch of 10,000 of those doses intended for Houthi-run areas had been caught up in wrangling between parties over how it would be administered, according to humanitarian aid sources and Yemeni officials. The emergency coronavirus committee of the internationally recognised government, based in south Yemen, has recorded 6,742 coronavirus infections and 1,321 deaths so far, although the true figure is widely thought to be much higher as the war has restricted COVID-19 testing and reporting. Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday Houthi authorities have suppressed information about COVID-19 and undermined international efforts to provide vaccines in areas under their control. "Since the start of the pandemic in Yemen in April 2020, Houthi officials have actively spread disinformation about the virus and vaccines," the rights group said in a report. The Iran-aligned Houthi movement ousted the Saudi-backed Yemeni government from the capital Sanaa in late 2014.

WHO to start COVID-19 vaccination in Houthi-run north Yemen

Samples from a study suggesting the coronavirus was circulating outside China by October 2019 have been re-tested at the World Health Organization`s (WTO) request, two scientists who led the Italian research said. 
 
There is growing international pressure to learn more about the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than 3 million people worldwide and US&nbsp;President Joe Biden last week ordered his aides to find answers. 
 
The WHO reacted to Biden`s announcement that intelligence agencies were pursuing rival theories, including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China, by saying the search was being "poisoned by politics". 
 
COVID-19 was first identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, while Italy`s first patient was detected on Feb. 21 last year in a small town near Milan. 
 
However, a study published last year suggested antibodies to either the virus or a variant were detected in Italy in 2019. 
 
That prompted Chinese state media to suggest the virus might not have originated in China, although the Italian researchers stressed the findings raised questions about when the virus first emerged rather than where. 
 
"The WHO asked us if we could share the biological material and if we could re-run the tests in an independent laboratory. We accepted," Giovanni Apolone, scientific director of one of the lead institutions, the Milan Cancer Institute (INT), said. 
 
The WHO`s request has not previously been reported. 
 
"WHO is in contact with the researchers that had published the original paper. A collaboration with partner laboratories has been set up for further testing," a WHO spokesman said. 
 
The spokesman said the WHO was aware that the researchers are planning to publish a follow-up report "in the near future". 
 
He said the UN agency has contacted all researchers who have published or provided information on samples collected in 2019 that were reported to have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but does not yet have the final interpretation of the results. 
 
The Italian researchers` findings, published by the INT`s scientific magazine Tumori Journal, showed neutralising antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in blood taken from healthy volunteers in Italy in October 2019 during a lung cancer screening trial. 
 
Most of the volunteers were from Lombardy, the northern region around Milan, which was the first and hardest hit by the virus in Italy. 
 
"None of the studies published so far have ever questioned the geographical origin," Apolone told Reuters. 
 
"The growing doubt is that the virus, probably less powerful compared to later months, was circulating in China long before the reported cases," Apolone added. 
 
DUTCH TEST 
 
The WHO chose the laboratory of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam for the re-test, Emanuele Montomoli, co-author of the original study and professor of Public Health at the Molecular Medicine Department in the University of Siena, said. 
 
The Erasmus University did not reply to requests for comment. 
 
Italian researchers sent the team in Rotterdam 30 biological samples from October-December 2019 that they had found positive, 30 samples from the same period they had tested negative and 30 samples from as far back as 2018, negative. 
 
"We sent them blind, that means our colleagues did not know which samples were positive and which negative," Apolone said. 
 
"They rechecked our samples with commercial tests, which are much less sensitive than the ones we devised and validated," Montomoli said. 
 
Despite the differences in the two detection methods, both Italian scientists said they were satisfied with the results, delivered to them in late February, adding that they could not comment further until the team of Italian and Dutch scientists have published their findings. 
 
"We did not say in our study that we could establish without a doubt that the coronavirus, later sequenced in Wuhan, was already circulating in Italy in October," Montomoli said. 
 
"We only found the response to the virus, namely the antibodies. So we can say that this coronavirus or a very similar one, perhaps a less transmissible variant, was circulating here in October," he added.

Samples from a study suggesting the coronavirus was circulating outside China by October 2019 have been re-tested at the World Health Organization`s (WTO) request, two scientists who led the Italian research said.

Samples from a study suggesting the coronavirus was circulating outside China by October 2019 have been re-tested at the World Health Organization`s (WTO) request, two scientists who led the Italian research said. There is growing international pressure to learn more about the origins of the pandemic that has killed more than 3 million people worldwide and US President Joe Biden last week ordered his aides to find answers. The WHO reacted to Biden`s announcement that intelligence agencies were pursuing rival theories, including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China, by saying the search was being "poisoned by politics". COVID-19 was first identified in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, while Italy`s first patient was detected on Feb. 21 last year in a small town near Milan. However, a study published last year suggested antibodies to either the virus or a variant were detected in Italy in 2019. That prompted Chinese state media to suggest the virus might not have originated in China, although the Italian researchers stressed the findings raised questions about when the virus first emerged rather than where. "The WHO asked us if we could share the biological material and if we could re-run the tests in an independent laboratory. We accepted," Giovanni Apolone, scientific director of one of the lead institutions, the Milan Cancer Institute (INT), said. The WHO`s request has not previously been reported. "WHO is in contact with the researchers that had published the original paper. A collaboration with partner laboratories has been set up for further testing," a WHO spokesman said. The spokesman said the WHO was aware that the researchers are planning to publish a follow-up report "in the near future". He said the UN agency has contacted all researchers who have published or provided information on samples collected in 2019 that were reported to have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, but does not yet have the final interpretation of the results. The Italian researchers` findings, published by the INT`s scientific magazine Tumori Journal, showed neutralising antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in blood taken from healthy volunteers in Italy in October 2019 during a lung cancer screening trial. Most of the volunteers were from Lombardy, the northern region around Milan, which was the first and hardest hit by the virus in Italy. "None of the studies published so far have ever questioned the geographical origin," Apolone told Reuters. "The growing doubt is that the virus, probably less powerful compared to later months, was circulating in China long before the reported cases," Apolone added. DUTCH TEST The WHO chose the laboratory of the Erasmus University in Rotterdam for the re-test, Emanuele Montomoli, co-author of the original study and professor of Public Health at the Molecular Medicine Department in the University of Siena, said. The Erasmus University did not reply to requests for comment. Italian researchers sent the team in Rotterdam 30 biological samples from October-December 2019 that they had found positive, 30 samples from the same period they had tested negative and 30 samples from as far back as 2018, negative. "We sent them blind, that means our colleagues did not know which samples were positive and which negative," Apolone said. "They rechecked our samples with commercial tests, which are much less sensitive than the ones we devised and validated," Montomoli said. Despite the differences in the two detection methods, both Italian scientists said they were satisfied with the results, delivered to them in late February, adding that they could not comment further until the team of Italian and Dutch scientists have published their findings. "We did not say in our study that we could establish without a doubt that the coronavirus, later sequenced in Wuhan, was already circulating in Italy in October," Montomoli said. "We only found the response to the virus, namely the antibodies. So we can say that this coronavirus or a very similar one, perhaps a less transmissible variant, was circulating here in October," he added.

WHO re-checks research on when coronavirus first surfaced in Italy

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 168.5 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.50 million, according to official figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO). 
 
As of Saturday morning, the current global caseload and death toll stood at 168,599,045. 
 
confirmed cases and 3,507,477, respectively. 
 
The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 32,869,009 and 586,890, respectively, according to the WHO. 
 
In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 27,555,457 cases. 
 
The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (16,274,695), France (5,535,701), Turkey (5,220,549), Russia (5,044,459), the UK (4,473,681), Italy (4,205,970), Germany (3,669,870), Spain (3,663,176), Argentina (3,622,135) and Colombia (3,294,101), the WHO figures showed. 
 
In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 454,429 fatalities. 
 
Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (318,895), Mexico (222,232), the UK (127,758), Italy (125,793), Russia (120,406) and France (108,354).

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 168.5 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.50 million, according to official figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 168.5 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.50 million, according to official figures published by the World Health Organization (WHO). As of Saturday morning, the current global caseload and death toll stood at 168,599,045. confirmed cases and 3,507,477, respectively. The US continues to be the worst-hit country with the world`s highest number of cases and deaths at 32,869,009 and 586,890, respectively, according to the WHO. In terms of infections, India follows in the second place with 27,555,457 cases. The other worst countries with over 3 million cases are Brazil (16,274,695), France (5,535,701), Turkey (5,220,549), Russia (5,044,459), the UK (4,473,681), Italy (4,205,970), Germany (3,669,870), Spain (3,663,176), Argentina (3,622,135) and Colombia (3,294,101), the WHO figures showed. In terms of deaths, Brazil comes second with 454,429 fatalities. Nations with a death toll of over 100,000 are India (318,895), Mexico (222,232), the UK (127,758), Italy (125,793), Russia (120,406) and France (108,354).

Global COVID-19 caseload tops 168.5 million: WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that efforts to uncover origins of Covid-19 pandemic were being hampered by politics. The agency insisted that scientists needed some space to work on solving the mystery.

"We would ask that we separate the science from the politics, and let us get on with finding the answers that we need in a proper, positive atmosphere," WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan told reporters.

"This whole process is being poisoned by politics," he warned.&nbsp;

WHO is under pressure to launch a new, in-depth investigation on origins of the pandemic. No timeline has currently been set for the next stage in this probe.

Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden this week ordered US intelligence community to investigate Covid-19 virus first emerged in China from an animal source or from a laboratory accident.

The move hints at growing impatience with waiting for a conclusive WHO investigation into how the pandemic that has killed more than 3.5 million people worldwide began.&nbsp;

During an ongoing meeting of WHO member states, European Union countries and a range of others also pressed for clarity on the next steps in the organisation's efforts to solve the mystery, seen as vital to averting future pandemics.

'No timeline'

However, WHO said on Friday that it was still waiting for recommendations from a team of WHO technical experts on how to move forward.

"The technical team will prepare a proposal for the next studies that will need to be carried out and will present that to the director-general," spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told reporters.

"He will then work with member states about the next steps," she said, acknowledging "there is no timeline".

The WHO finally managed to send a team of independent, international experts to Wuhan in January, more than a year after Covid-19 first surfaced there in late 2019, to help probe the pandemic origins.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that efforts to uncover origins of Covid-19 pandemic were being hampered by politics. The agency insisted that scientists needed some space to work on solving the mystery.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Friday that efforts to uncover origins of Covid-19 pandemic were being hampered by politics. The agency insisted that scientists needed some space to work on solving the mystery. "We would ask that we separate the science from the politics, and let us get on with finding the answers that we need in a proper, positive atmosphere," WHO emergencies chief Michael Ryan told reporters. "This whole process is being poisoned by politics," he warned. WHO is under pressure to launch a new, in-depth investigation on origins of the pandemic. No timeline has currently been set for the next stage in this probe. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden this week ordered US intelligence community to investigate Covid-19 virus first emerged in China from an animal source or from a laboratory accident. The move hints at growing impatience with waiting for a conclusive WHO investigation into how the pandemic that has killed more than 3.5 million people worldwide began. During an ongoing meeting of WHO member states, European Union countries and a range of others also pressed for clarity on the next steps in the organisation's efforts to solve the mystery, seen as vital to averting future pandemics. 'No timeline' However, WHO said on Friday that it was still waiting for recommendations from a team of WHO technical experts on how to move forward. "The technical team will prepare a proposal for the next studies that will need to be carried out and will present that to the director-general," spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told reporters. "He will then work with member states about the next steps," she said, acknowledging "there is no timeline". The WHO finally managed to send a team of independent, international experts to Wuhan in January, more than a year after Covid-19 first surfaced there in late 2019, to help probe the pandemic origins. (With inputs from agencies)

Search for Covid origins 'being poisoned by politics': WHO

World Health Organisation's European Director Hans Kluge warned on Friday that coronavirus pandemic won't be over till at least 70 per cent of the population was vaccinated. He told this to news agency AFP in an interview. Kluge also said that his worry was increased contagiousness of the new variants of Covid.

"The pandemic will be over once we reach 70 percent minimum coverage in vaccination," he said in the interview.

The WHO's European director warned Friday that the Covid-19 pandemic won't be over until at least 70 percent of people are vaccinated, while deploring that the vaccine rollout in Europe is still "too slow".

"We know for example that the B.1617 (variant found in India) is more transmissible than the B.117 (variant found in Britain), which already was more transmissible than the previous strain," Kluge said.

According to the Belgian doctor, speed is "of essence" in pandemic.&nbsp;

"Even when WHO declared a pandemic, many countries were still waiting, we lost valuable time."

Hans Kluge has held the position of regional directors since February 2020. While he lauded calls for solidarity he underlined the need for speedy rollout of vaccines.

"Our best friend is speed, the time is working against us, the vaccination roll-out still goes too slow," Kluge said.

"We need to accelerate, we need to enlarge the number of vaccines."&nbsp;

In the 53 countries and territories that make up the WHO's European region -- including several in Central Asia -- &nbsp;26 percent of the population has received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.&nbsp;

In the European Union, 36.6 percent of the population has received at least one dose, according to a count by AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation's European Director Hans Kluge warned on Friday that coronavirus pandemic won't be over till at least 70 per cent of the population was vaccinated.

World Health Organisation's European Director Hans Kluge warned on Friday that coronavirus pandemic won't be over till at least 70 per cent of the population was vaccinated. He told this to news agency AFP in an interview. Kluge also said that his worry was increased contagiousness of the new variants of Covid. "The pandemic will be over once we reach 70 percent minimum coverage in vaccination," he said in the interview. The WHO's European director warned Friday that the Covid-19 pandemic won't be over until at least 70 percent of people are vaccinated, while deploring that the vaccine rollout in Europe is still "too slow". "We know for example that the B.1617 (variant found in India) is more transmissible than the B.117 (variant found in Britain), which already was more transmissible than the previous strain," Kluge said. According to the Belgian doctor, speed is "of essence" in pandemic. "Even when WHO declared a pandemic, many countries were still waiting, we lost valuable time." Hans Kluge has held the position of regional directors since February 2020. While he lauded calls for solidarity he underlined the need for speedy rollout of vaccines. "Our best friend is speed, the time is working against us, the vaccination roll-out still goes too slow," Kluge said. "We need to accelerate, we need to enlarge the number of vaccines." In the 53 countries and territories that make up the WHO's European region -- including several in Central Asia -- 26 percent of the population has received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine. In the European Union, 36.6 percent of the population has received at least one dose, according to a count by AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Pandemic won't be over till 70 per cent of population is vaccinated: WHO

The World Health Organization called on Friday for access to patients in the Gaza strip and the possibility to be able to evacuate them for medical treatment as health workers struggle to care for the sick and wounded after 11 days of violence.

WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a Geneva briefing that around 600 patients, including some with chronic conditions, needed to be referred outside of the Palestinian enclave since hostilities began earlier this month, but had been unable to due to crossing closures.

Dozens of health centres were damaged during Israeli bombings earlier this month, prompting the WHO to warn that facilities risked being overwhelmed.

Before a truce took hold last Friday, Israeli air strikes and artillery fire on&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;killed 253 Palestinians, including 66 children, and wounded more than 1,900 people in 11 days of conflict, the health ministry in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;says.&nbsp;

Rocket and other fire from&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded.

The Israeli bombardment of&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;has ravaged homes and businesses as well as key power and water networks in the already impoverished enclave, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007.

Some 258 buildings, comprising 1,042 housing and commercial units, have been completely destroyed, authorities in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;say, while the United Nations says at least 6,000 people have been made homeless.

The UN says it has released millions of dollars for its humanitarian response and other countries such as Qatar, Egypt and the United States have pledged millions more in aid.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization called on Friday for access to patients in the Gaza strip and the possibility to be able to evacuate them for medical treatment as health workers struggle to care for the sick and wounded after 11 days of violence.

The World Health Organization called on Friday for access to patients in the Gaza strip and the possibility to be able to evacuate them for medical treatment as health workers struggle to care for the sick and wounded after 11 days of violence. WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a Geneva briefing that around 600 patients, including some with chronic conditions, needed to be referred outside of the Palestinian enclave since hostilities began earlier this month, but had been unable to due to crossing closures. Dozens of health centres were damaged during Israeli bombings earlier this month, prompting the WHO to warn that facilities risked being overwhelmed. Before a truce took hold last Friday, Israeli air strikes and artillery fire on Gaza killed 253 Palestinians, including 66 children, and wounded more than 1,900 people in 11 days of conflict, the health ministry in Gaza says. Rocket and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded. The Israeli bombardment of Gaza has ravaged homes and businesses as well as key power and water networks in the already impoverished enclave, which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. Some 258 buildings, comprising 1,042 housing and commercial units, have been completely destroyed, authorities in Gaza say, while the United Nations says at least 6,000 people have been made homeless. The UN says it has released millions of dollars for its humanitarian response and other countries such as Qatar, Egypt and the United States have pledged millions more in aid. (With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organization calls for access to patients in Gaza strip

The Lab Leak Theory is getting bigger & serious. The US is seeking 'Phase 2' of an investigation into Wuhan Virus origins. WHO's top virologist Marion Koopmans says a 'follow-up' probe is needed. Where are things headed? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: US seeks 'Phase 2' of investigation into COVID-origins

The B.1.617 variant&nbsp;of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a>, which was first detected by India’s health experts, has now been reported in 53 territories, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday.

As per unofficial data procured by sources of the WHO, the B.1.617 variant has also been reported in seven other territories, which would take the toll to 60.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-suffer-oxygen-shortage-amid-covid-19-crisis-387366" hreflang="en">Countries suffer oxygen shortage amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

This has also hinted that the variant has increased transmissibility and the level of severity, due to which it has also been classified as a variant of concern.

The variant has been identified as the reason behind the alarming increase in coronavirus cases that had brought a deadly second wave in India and other South Asian countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/half-of-adult-americans-fully-vaccinated-against-covid-19-says-white-house-387327" hreflang="en">Half of adult Americans fully vaccinated against COVID-19, says White House</a>

While the cases have now decreased in India, the danger of this variant still looms in other territories, the report claims.

"Despite a declining global trend over the past four weeks, incidence of COVID-19 cases and deaths remain high, and substantial increases have been observed in many countries throughout the world," the report read.

WHO has also advised people to not let their guards down even if there is a decline in the cases. "Virus evolution is expected, and the more SARS-CoV-2 circulates, the more opportunities it has to evolve," the report said.

"Reducing transmission through established and proven disease-control methods... are crucial aspects of the global strategy to reduce the occurrence of mutations that have negative public health implications."

The B.1.617 variant of coronavirus, which was first detected by India’s health experts, has now been reported in 53 territories, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday.

The B.1.617 variant of coronavirus, which was first detected by India’s health experts, has now been reported in 53 territories, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Wednesday. As per unofficial data procured by sources of the WHO, the B.1.617 variant has also been reported in seven other territories, which would take the toll to 60. Also read | Countries suffer oxygen shortage amid COVID-19 crisis This has also hinted that the variant has increased transmissibility and the level of severity, due to which it has also been classified as a variant of concern. The variant has been identified as the reason behind the alarming increase in coronavirus cases that had brought a deadly second wave in India and other South Asian countries. Also read | Half of adult Americans fully vaccinated against COVID-19, says White House While the cases have now decreased in India, the danger of this variant still looms in other territories, the report claims. "Despite a declining global trend over the past four weeks, incidence of COVID-19 cases and deaths remain high, and substantial increases have been observed in many countries throughout the world," the report read. WHO has also advised people to not let their guards down even if there is a decline in the cases. "Virus evolution is expected, and the more SARS-CoV-2 circulates, the more opportunities it has to evolve," the report said. "Reducing transmission through established and proven disease-control methods... are crucial aspects of the global strategy to reduce the occurrence of mutations that have negative public health implications."

COVID-19: B.1.617 variant now found in at least 53 territories: WHO

A leading scientist on the&nbsp;WHO's COVID-19 mission to&nbsp;China&nbsp;said on Tuesday that a follow-up trip could be helpful to gather additional research on the origins of the disease, but should be separate from any audit of information provided by Beijing.

The comments from Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans came after the United States called on Tuesday for international experts to be allowed to evaluate the source of the coronavirus and the early days of the outbreak in a second phase of the&nbsp;WHO's investigation into the origins of the coronavirus.

Koopmans was part of the&nbsp;WHO-led team which spent four weeks in&nbsp;China&nbsp;earlier this year and in March published a report jointly with Chinese scientists that said the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-lab-origin-theory-gains-traction-in-united-states-387436">Covid lab origin theory gains traction in United States</a>

"Introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway," its report said.

Discussions about the outbreak gained renewed attention this week as US&nbsp;intelligence agencies examine reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first cases of COVID-19 were reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fauci-admits-wuhan-lab-received-modest-funds-from-us-amid-calls-for-probe-into-covid-origins-387497">Fauci admits Wuhan lab received 'modest' funds from US amid calls for probe into Covid origins</a>

US&nbsp;government sources have said there is still no proof the disease originated at the lab.

Koopmans said the team would be eager to carry out additional research in&nbsp;China&nbsp;in a number of areas and was awaiting the outcome of&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;discussions. She stressed the need for a clear mandate to conduct research, not to carry out an audit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wuhan-virus-lab-leak-theory-why-china-has-blocked-access-to-yunnan-mine-387360">Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine</a>

"I think these cannot be combined. So we believe that is a combination that will not work. In that case you say we are going to carry out an inspection, or we are going to do the follow-up research, or both, but through different mechanisms, otherwise you simply will not make any progress," she said.

A leading scientist on the WHO's COVID-19 mission to China said on Tuesday that a follow-up trip could be helpful to gather additional research on the origins of the disease, but should be separate from any audit of information provided by Beijing.

A leading scientist on the WHO's COVID-19 mission to China said on Tuesday that a follow-up trip could be helpful to gather additional research on the origins of the disease, but should be separate from any audit of information provided by Beijing. The comments from Dutch virologist Marion Koopmans came after the United States called on Tuesday for international experts to be allowed to evaluate the source of the coronavirus and the early days of the outbreak in a second phase of the WHO's investigation into the origins of the coronavirus. Koopmans was part of the WHO-led team which spent four weeks in China earlier this year and in March published a report jointly with Chinese scientists that said the virus had probably been transmitted from bats to humans through another animal. Also Read | Covid lab origin theory gains traction in United States "Introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway," its report said. Discussions about the outbreak gained renewed attention this week as US intelligence agencies examine reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first cases of COVID-19 were reported. Also Read | Fauci admits Wuhan lab received 'modest' funds from US amid calls for probe into Covid origins US government sources have said there is still no proof the disease originated at the lab. Koopmans said the team would be eager to carry out additional research in China in a number of areas and was awaiting the outcome of WHO discussions. She stressed the need for a clear mandate to conduct research, not to carry out an audit. Also Read | Wuhan virus lab leak theory: Why China has blocked access to Yunnan mine "I think these cannot be combined. So we believe that is a combination that will not work. In that case you say we are going to carry out an inspection, or we are going to do the follow-up research, or both, but through different mechanisms, otherwise you simply will not make any progress," she said.

WHO expert say new research mission to China would be helpful

Representatives of the country at the World Health Assembly (WHA) came to a consensus to hold a special session in November to consider an international treaty on pandemic preparedness, with the goal of strengthening political commitment in the fight against the outbreak of infectious diseases.

World Health Organization endorses global 'pandemic treaty' to rebuild post-COVID-19 world

US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra has urged the WHO to ensure that the next phase of investigation into COVID-19's origins are more "transparent" and "science-based", amidst media reports here suggesting growing evidence that the virus could have emerged from a laboratory in China.

In March, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a report written jointly with Chinese scientists on the origins of COVID-19, saying the chances of it having started in a lab were "extremely unlikely".

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But the US and some other countries have raised concerns about the way the mission of the WHO experts was carried out in China, including in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, and the lack of adequate cooperation from Beijing.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also agreed that further studies were needed into the virus' origins.

In a video message&nbsp;at the annual ministerial meeting of the WHO's World Health Assembly, Becerra called for a second phase of the investigation to be launched ''with terms of reference that are transparent, science-based and give international experts the independence to fully assess the source of the virus and the early days of the outbreak."

In his address, Becerra did not mention China directly, but his remarks came days after a Wall Street Journal report in which US intelligence officials are quoted saying three researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the central Chinese city of Wuhan sought hospital care in November 2019, several weeks before China acknowledged the first case of the new highly infectious disease in the community.

China has angrily rejected the US media reports, repeatedly suggesting the virus may have come from a US laboratory instead.

On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in a statement on March 23 had said that the premier lab had not been exposed to COVID-19 before December 30, 2019, and a "zero-infection" record is kept among its staff and graduate students so far.

"What is the real purpose for the US to continue to play up the so-called "lab leak theory"? Does it really care about the origin-tracing of the virus or just want to divert attention? We hope that the relevant departments in the US will make a clarification and explain that to the world as soon as possible," Zhao said in response to a question at a foreign ministry briefing in Beijing.

Dr Anthony Fauci, senior White House health adviser and director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said recently that he was also not convinced about the natural origins of the coronavirus and called for further investigations.

In his address to the World Health Assembly, Becerra noted that the COVID-19 pandemic "not only stole a year from our lives, it stole millions of lives."

"Now we must honour our departed by taking urgent action this year - to strengthen health security and pandemic preparedness so that we are better prepared for the next global health crisis," he said.

This means improving global triggers, so all countries take swift action toward the next biological threat, he said, underlining the importance of establishing a global health security financing mechanism that is sustainable - with strong accountability and oversight.

It would also mean developing surge capacity for the global manufacturing of personal protective equipment, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and the healthcare workforce, the US health secretary said.

Becerra also said the countries must also do more to understand our current pandemic and look forward toward detecting, preparing, and responding to future biological threats.

As member states of the WHO, "we need to come together and finish this fight against COVID, our greatest test," he said, adding that all must fully implement and adhere to obligations under the International Health Regulations.

"We need to improve transparency, immediately share critical information about outbreaks with pandemic potential, and strengthen health systems to withstand shocks," Becerra said, while calling for a "strong and agile" WHO.

The White House said on Tuesday that it expected from the WHO an "expert-driven evaluation of the pandemic's origins that is free from interference or politicisation".

"We need access to the information that the Chinese government has in order to make a determination through the international bodies that would do this investigation. And that's something we have called for many, many times, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

"And we have pressed, with our international partners for the WHO to support an expert-driven evaluation of the pandemic's origins. We would certainly participate in that with all of our research&nbsp;resources from the United States," she said in response to a question at a White House briefing.

The lab leak claims were dismissed last year as a fringe conspiracy theory after then-President Donald Trump said COVID-19 had originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra has urged the WHO to ensure that the next phase of investigation into COVID-19's origins are more "transparent" and "science-based", amidst media reports here suggesting growing evidence that the virus could have emerged from a laboratory in China.

US Health Secretary Xavier Becerra has urged the WHO to ensure that the next phase of investigation into COVID-19's origins are more "transparent" and "science-based", amidst media reports here suggesting growing evidence that the virus could have emerged from a laboratory in China. In March, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a report written jointly with Chinese scientists on the origins of COVID-19, saying the chances of it having started in a lab were "extremely unlikely". But the US and some other countries have raised concerns about the way the mission of the WHO experts was carried out in China, including in Wuhan, the epicentre of the outbreak, and the lack of adequate cooperation from Beijing. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has also agreed that further studies were needed into the virus' origins. In a video message at the annual ministerial meeting of the WHO's World Health Assembly, Becerra called for a second phase of the investigation to be launched ''with terms of reference that are transparent, science-based and give international experts the independence to fully assess the source of the virus and the early days of the outbreak." In his address, Becerra did not mention China directly, but his remarks came days after a Wall Street Journal report in which US intelligence officials are quoted saying three researchers at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in the central Chinese city of Wuhan sought hospital care in November 2019, several weeks before China acknowledged the first case of the new highly infectious disease in the community. China has angrily rejected the US media reports, repeatedly suggesting the virus may have come from a US laboratory instead. On Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that the Wuhan Institute of Virology in a statement on March 23 had said that the premier lab had not been exposed to COVID-19 before December 30, 2019, and a "zero-infection" record is kept among its staff and graduate students so far. "What is the real purpose for the US to continue to play up the so-called "lab leak theory"? Does it really care about the origin-tracing of the virus or just want to divert attention? We hope that the relevant departments in the US will make a clarification and explain that to the world as soon as possible," Zhao said in response to a question at a foreign ministry briefing in Beijing. Dr Anthony Fauci, senior White House health adviser and director of the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases, said recently that he was also not convinced about the natural origins of the coronavirus and called for further investigations. In his address to the World Health Assembly, Becerra noted that the COVID-19 pandemic "not only stole a year from our lives, it stole millions of lives." "Now we must honour our departed by taking urgent action this year - to strengthen health security and pandemic preparedness so that we are better prepared for the next global health crisis," he said. This means improving global triggers, so all countries take swift action toward the next biological threat, he said, underlining the importance of establishing a global health security financing mechanism that is sustainable - with strong accountability and oversight. It would also mean developing surge capacity for the global manufacturing of personal protective equipment, vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and the healthcare workforce, the US health secretary said. Becerra also said the countries must also do more to understand our current pandemic and look forward toward detecting, preparing, and responding to future biological threats. As member states of the WHO, "we need to come together and finish this fight against COVID, our greatest test," he said, adding that all must fully implement and adhere to obligations under the International Health Regulations. "We need to improve transparency, immediately share critical information about outbreaks with pandemic potential, and strengthen health systems to withstand shocks," Becerra said, while calling for a "strong and agile" WHO. The White House said on Tuesday that it expected from the WHO an "expert-driven evaluation of the pandemic's origins that is free from interference or politicisation". "We need access to the information that the Chinese government has in order to make a determination through the international bodies that would do this investigation. And that's something we have called for many, many times, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. "And we have pressed, with our international partners for the WHO to support an expert-driven evaluation of the pandemic's origins. We would certainly participate in that with all of our research resources from the United States," she said in response to a question at a White House briefing. The lab leak claims were dismissed last year as a fringe conspiracy theory after then-President Donald Trump said COVID-19 had originated from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.

US calls for 'transparent' second phase of COVID-19 origin investigation

A key meeting between Bharat Biotech's Executive Director Dr V Krishna Mohan and other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology took place on Monday as India pushed for early approval of Covaxin&nbsp;by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major were present for the meet as well.

Bharat Biotech has sent an application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of Covaxin on 19th April and a pre-submission meeting will take place in June.

Officials aware of the development said that the company has "submitted 90% of the documentation required for EUL to WHO", with the remaining to be submitted next month.

They further explained that the company is "confident about obtaining WHO EUL subsequently, given its experience of getting its other vaccines prequalified by WHO."

Bharat Biotech's Covaxin will be the second made-in-India vaccine after Covishield to apply to WHO for approval.

Covishield has already got approval in February. So far, seven vaccines globally have been given approval by WHO for EUL, these are Covid vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna and Sinopharm.

Covaxin is the first Indian Covid vaccine and is based on inactivated virus vaccines produced in cell culture or Vero cell platform. So far it has received regulatory approval from 11 countries and 11 companies in seven countries have shown interest in the technology transfer and production of Covaxin.

The company is in the final stages of submission of documents required for regulatory approvals for its vaccines in Brazil and Hungary.

In the US, Bharat Biotech is in the "final stages of negotiations" with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for conducting small-scale Phase-III clinical trials locally.

Officials said, "The company is confident about the robustness of their dossier, as they have data for a much longer duration – for antibody persistence after six&nbsp;months as well as eight months."

The regulatory approvals have both retrospective and prospective effect, and it stands out being few companies that have published papers on all four Covid virus variants. &nbsp;

The company plans to produce 1 billion vaccines via its three facilities in three Indian states.

Hyderabad facility in Telangana will produce 200-250 million vaccines, Bengaluru facility in Karnataka will produce around 500 mn doses and facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat will produce about 200 mn vaccines.

A key meeting between Bharat Biotech's Executive Director Dr V Krishna Mohan and other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology took place on Monday as India pushed for early approval of Covaxin by the World Health Organization (WHO).

A key meeting between Bharat Biotech's Executive Director Dr V Krishna Mohan and other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Health, Department of Biotechnology took place on Monday as India pushed for early approval of Covaxin by the World Health Organization (WHO). Other officials of the Hyderabad-based pharma major were present for the meet as well. Bharat Biotech has sent an application to the WHO for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of Covaxin on 19th April and a pre-submission meeting will take place in June. Officials aware of the development said that the company has "submitted 90% of the documentation required for EUL to WHO", with the remaining to be submitted next month. They further explained that the company is "confident about obtaining WHO EUL subsequently, given its experience of getting its other vaccines prequalified by WHO." Bharat Biotech's Covaxin will be the second made-in-India vaccine after Covishield to apply to WHO for approval. Covishield has already got approval in February. So far, seven vaccines globally have been given approval by WHO for EUL, these are Covid vaccines from Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna and Sinopharm. Covaxin is the first Indian Covid vaccine and is based on inactivated virus vaccines produced in cell culture or Vero cell platform. So far it has received regulatory approval from 11 countries and 11 companies in seven countries have shown interest in the technology transfer and production of Covaxin. The company is in the final stages of submission of documents required for regulatory approvals for its vaccines in Brazil and Hungary. In the US, Bharat Biotech is in the "final stages of negotiations" with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for conducting small-scale Phase-III clinical trials locally. Officials said, "The company is confident about the robustness of their dossier, as they have data for a much longer duration – for antibody persistence after six months as well as eight months." The regulatory approvals have both retrospective and prospective effect, and it stands out being few companies that have published papers on all four Covid virus variants. The company plans to produce 1 billion vaccines via its three facilities in three Indian states. Hyderabad facility in Telangana will produce 200-250 million vaccines, Bengaluru facility in Karnataka will produce around 500 mn doses and facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat will produce about 200 mn vaccines.

Ahead of WHO-Bharat Biotech meet on Covaxin, key stakeholders come together

Despite international pressure, the WHO has refused to invite Taiwan to the 74th World Health Assembly. Dr. Tedros has bowed to Chinese pressure and ignored requests from the G7 and the US. Palki Sharma tells you more

Gravitas: WHO toes Chinese line and snubs Taiwan

Bats, Minks or Lab Leak? What caused this pandemic? 18 months on, no one knows how the Wuhan Virus originated. The WHO promised to find an answer, but all Dr. Tedros has offered are hypotheses. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Will WHO ever reveal COVID-19 origins?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a failed institution. But we cannot let it remain like that. Public health is now linked to everything. Our economy, our national security, even our politics. This pandemic is proof of that.

So reforming the WHO is top priority. But where to start?

At the World Health Assembly. This is the council that governs the WHO. They set the policy, They elect the director-general. And they approve the budget. Real power lies with this council.

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Unfortunately, the real problem also lies with them.

The 74th World Health Assembly kicked off today. All 194 members were in attendance. This is being billed as the most consequential meeting on public health.

Seeing what happened last year, that's a right assessment. This is the chance to reform the WHO. For a complete cultural revamp at the top. To seek accountability from the leadership. And to release the WHO from China's influence.

But even before the assembly convened, we got a taste of the WHO's politics. One country was missing from the invitation list. A country that first warned the WHO about the pandemic. A country that crushed the pandemic. A country that donated masks and PPE kits to the world: good ones, not the faulty kind that China sent.

The country is Taiwan. WHO has overlooked them once again. Every major country was campaigning for their inclusion.

"There is no reasonable justification for Taiwan’s continued exclusion from this forum, and the United States calls upon the WHO director-general to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer at the WHA," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month.

That was a direct appeal from America's most powerful diplomat to Dr Tedros. An appeal from the WHO's largest donor. It is difficult to imagine that he did not see this appeal.

So why wasn't Taiwan invited? Because Dr Tedros simply ignored it. For him, the orders from Beijing are more important. It wasn't just the United States pushing Taiwan's case.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China released a campaign video. 15 lawmakers from Australia, Europe, New Zealand and North America launched the hashtag, #LetTaiwanHelp.

Even the G7 foreign ministers called for Taiwan's participation. They said the international community would benefit from Taiwan's experience.

Taiwan did not get an invite despite all this international support. Because China blocked it. For Beijing, Taiwan is an estranged province, a territory that will one day return to mainland China.

But Taiwan is a full-fledged democracy. They have elections, they have an army. They are everything China is not.

The One-China Policy is losing credibility by the day. But Beijing keeps hanging on to it.

"To safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, China cannot agree to the Taiwan region's participation in the upcoming session of the world health assembly," said Chinese foreign ministry on Friday.

China ordered, and Dr Tedros followed. In fact, he went a step ahead. Today, a special report was tabled at the World Health Assembly.&nbsp;

It is called COVID-19: Make it the last pandemic

Taiwan's Centres for Disease Control featured on two pages. But the agency was identified as Centres for Disease Control, Taiwan, China.

Taiwan's foreign minister spotted this. He has asked the WHO to correct this error and re-publish.

But that's not going to happen. Because the WHO is indifferent to Taiwan's interests. It is indifferent to the health rights of 23.5 million people who call Taiwan their home.

This anger was reflected in their government's statement.

"As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member.”

Anyone would imagine a public health body to be too busy for petty politics, specially during a pandemic. But that's not the case for the WHO.

So what's the way out?

If the World Health Assembly is the problem, it is also the solution. There are 194 members in the WHA. If a majority of them pass a resolution, they can invite Taiwan. Whether Dr Tedros wants to or not.

The second thing they can do is overhaul the agency. Dr Tedros wants a second term. The assembly can deny him that opportunity. The WHO needs fresh blood. New leaders and experts who read scientific studies. Not Xi Jinping's new little red book.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a failed institution. But we cannot let it remain like that. Public health is now linked to everything. Our economy, our national security, even our politics.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a failed institution. But we cannot let it remain like that. Public health is now linked to everything. Our economy, our national security, even our politics. This pandemic is proof of that. So reforming the WHO is top priority. But where to start? At the World Health Assembly. This is the council that governs the WHO. They set the policy, They elect the director-general. And they approve the budget. Real power lies with this council. × Unfortunately, the real problem also lies with them. The 74th World Health Assembly kicked off today. All 194 members were in attendance. This is being billed as the most consequential meeting on public health. Seeing what happened last year, that's a right assessment. This is the chance to reform the WHO. For a complete cultural revamp at the top. To seek accountability from the leadership. And to release the WHO from China's influence. But even before the assembly convened, we got a taste of the WHO's politics. One country was missing from the invitation list. A country that first warned the WHO about the pandemic. A country that crushed the pandemic. A country that donated masks and PPE kits to the world: good ones, not the faulty kind that China sent. The country is Taiwan. WHO has overlooked them once again. Every major country was campaigning for their inclusion. "There is no reasonable justification for Taiwan’s continued exclusion from this forum, and the United States calls upon the WHO director-general to invite Taiwan to participate as an observer at the WHA," said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken earlier this month. That was a direct appeal from America's most powerful diplomat to Dr Tedros. An appeal from the WHO's largest donor. It is difficult to imagine that he did not see this appeal. So why wasn't Taiwan invited? Because Dr Tedros simply ignored it. For him, the orders from Beijing are more important. It wasn't just the United States pushing Taiwan's case. The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China released a campaign video. 15 lawmakers from Australia, Europe, New Zealand and North America launched the hashtag, #LetTaiwanHelp. Even the G7 foreign ministers called for Taiwan's participation. They said the international community would benefit from Taiwan's experience. Taiwan did not get an invite despite all this international support. Because China blocked it. For Beijing, Taiwan is an estranged province, a territory that will one day return to mainland China. But Taiwan is a full-fledged democracy. They have elections, they have an army. They are everything China is not. The One-China Policy is losing credibility by the day. But Beijing keeps hanging on to it. "To safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, China cannot agree to the Taiwan region's participation in the upcoming session of the world health assembly," said Chinese foreign ministry on Friday. China ordered, and Dr Tedros followed. In fact, he went a step ahead. Today, a special report was tabled at the World Health Assembly. It is called COVID-19: Make it the last pandemic Taiwan's Centres for Disease Control featured on two pages. But the agency was identified as Centres for Disease Control, Taiwan, China. Taiwan's foreign minister spotted this. He has asked the WHO to correct this error and re-publish. But that's not going to happen. Because the WHO is indifferent to Taiwan's interests. It is indifferent to the health rights of 23.5 million people who call Taiwan their home. This anger was reflected in their government's statement. "As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member.” Anyone would imagine a public health body to be too busy for petty politics, specially during a pandemic. But that's not the case for the WHO. So what's the way out? If the World Health Assembly is the problem, it is also the solution. There are 194 members in the WHA. If a majority of them pass a resolution, they can invite Taiwan. Whether Dr Tedros wants to or not. The second thing they can do is overhaul the agency. Dr Tedros wants a second term. The assembly can deny him that opportunity. The WHO needs fresh blood. New leaders and experts who read scientific studies. Not Xi Jinping's new little red book.

WHO toes China's line, excludes Taiwan from World Health Assembly

The World Health Organization’s (WHOs) decision-making body, World Health Assembly (WHA) met for its 74th session on May 24 including delegations from all UN health agency’s member states. WION brings you what has happened so far in the session.

74th World Health Assembly: WHO chief calls for 'ground up' health security approach

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.&nbsp;

Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country.&nbsp;

Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer.&nbsp;

In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation.&nbsp;

"As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China.&nbsp;

Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people".&nbsp;

China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people.&nbsp;

Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease".&nbsp;

While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body.

Taiwan's government slammed the World Health Organization's (WHO) 'indifference' to the health rights of Taiwanese people and for capitulating to China on Monday after failing to get invited to a meeting of its decision-making body. Taiwan is excluded from most global organisations, such as the WHO because of the objections of China, which considers the island one of its provinces and not a country. Taiwan, with the strong backing of major Western powers, had been lobbying for access to the WHO's World Health Assembly, which opens on Monday, as an observer. In a joint statement by Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, Taiwan's government said that they would continue to seek participation. "As a professional international health body, the World Health Organization (WHO) should serve the health and welfare of all humanity and not capitulate to the political interests of a certain member," Chen said, referring to China. Wu expressed regret at the "WHO Secretariat's continued indifference to the health rights of Taiwan's 23.5 million people". China says Taiwan can only take part if it accepts it is part of 'one China', which Taipei's government will not do, and that only Beijing has a right to speak for Taiwan on the international stage and Taiwan has in any case been given the access it needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan's statement said China was falsely claiming that appropriate arrangements have been made for Taiwan's WHO participation, adding that only the island's democratically elected government can speak for its people. Taiwan urges the WHO to "maintain a professional and neutral stance, reject China's political interference, and allow Taiwan to join WHO meetings, mechanisms, and activities in order to protect the welfare of humanity and jointly combat disease". While the WHO cooperates with Taiwan's technical experts on COVID-19, it is up to member states whether to invite Taiwan to observe the WHO meeting, the WHO's principal legal officer Steve Solomon said last week. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting 

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has summitted application to the World Health Organization for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of its Covid vaccine Covaxin, becoming the second India-made vaccine to apply at the global body for authorisation.

Bharat Biotech had summitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) on April 19, with more information required according to documents on WHO website. &nbsp;

It will have to now go through three more stages, pre-submission meeting, dossier accepted for review and final status of assessment. The pre-submission meeting will take place later in May or June. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Last week, speaking to WION exclusively, Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech, said, the Covaxin "proved to be neutralising all variants including double mutant, which has been observed in India" and it has an 'edge' given it is inactivated virus vaccines produced in cell culture or vero cell platform.&nbsp;

The company plans to produce one billion vaccines via its three different facilities in three states, 200-250 million from Hyderabad facility, around 500 million doses from Bangalore and 200 million from Ankleshwar, Gujarat.&nbsp;

A benefit of WHO listing will allow Covaxin to get global approval for use, something that has other benefits like easy movement of Indians, who have been vaccinated by it. While when it comes to mutual recognition of vaccines by countries is still under progress, if and when it comes into effect, WHO approved vaccines will give an automatic benefit. &nbsp;

On February 15, WHO gave emergency use approval to Covishield vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India. So far, seven vaccines globally have been given approval by WHO for EUL, these are Pfizer's Comirnaty, Astrazeneca's AZD1222, Janssen's Ad26.COV2.S, Moderna's mRNA-1273 and Sinopharm's SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine. Russia's Sputnik, China's Sinovac and Cuba have also applied for emergency approval.&nbsp;

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has summitted application to the World Health Organization for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of its Covid vaccine Covaxin, becoming the second India-made vaccine to apply at the global body for authorisation.

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech has summitted application to the World Health Organization for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of its Covid vaccine Covaxin, becoming the second India-made vaccine to apply at the global body for authorisation. Bharat Biotech had summitted its Expression of Interest (EOI) on April 19, with more information required according to documents on WHO website. It will have to now go through three more stages, pre-submission meeting, dossier accepted for review and final status of assessment. The pre-submission meeting will take place later in May or June. Last week, speaking to WION exclusively, Suchitra Ella, joint managing director, Bharat Biotech, said, the Covaxin "proved to be neutralising all variants including double mutant, which has been observed in India" and it has an 'edge' given it is inactivated virus vaccines produced in cell culture or vero cell platform. The company plans to produce one billion vaccines via its three different facilities in three states, 200-250 million from Hyderabad facility, around 500 million doses from Bangalore and 200 million from Ankleshwar, Gujarat. A benefit of WHO listing will allow Covaxin to get global approval for use, something that has other benefits like easy movement of Indians, who have been vaccinated by it. While when it comes to mutual recognition of vaccines by countries is still under progress, if and when it comes into effect, WHO approved vaccines will give an automatic benefit. On February 15, WHO gave emergency use approval to Covishield vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India. So far, seven vaccines globally have been given approval by WHO for EUL, these are Pfizer's Comirnaty, Astrazeneca's AZD1222, Janssen's Ad26.COV2.S, Moderna's mRNA-1273 and Sinopharm's SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine. Russia's Sputnik, China's Sinovac and Cuba have also applied for emergency approval.

Bharat Biotech applies for WHO nod for Covaxin; pre-submission meeting soon

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday said that global efforts to inoculate populations need to be stepped up.

World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to ensure that 10 per cent of their populations have received vaccinations against COVID-19 by September.

Ghebreyesus called for a "massive push to vaccinate at least 10 per cent of the population of every country by September" during the health body’s main annual assembly.

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He also said that 115,000 healthcare workers succumbed to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.

"For almost 18 months, health and care workers all over the world have stood in the breach between life and death,"&nbsp;Ghebreyesus said during the opening of the organisation's annual assembly.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/bharat-biotech-applies-for-who-approval-pre-submission-meeting-soon-387065" hreflang="en">Bharat Biotech applies for WHO approval; pre-submission meeting soon</a>

"Many have themselves become infected, and while reporting is scant, we estimate that at least 115,000 health and care workers have paid the ultimate price in the service of others”, Ghebreyesus added.

The chief of UN too, commented on the ongoing pandemic, saying that the world is “at war” against COVID-19. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world is “at war” against coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/taiwan-slams-whos-indifference-after-failing-to-get-into-key-meeting-386979" hreflang="en">Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting&nbsp;</a>

Guterres said that the pandemic had caused a “tsunami of suffering” in countries around the world. During the World Health Organization’s main annual assembly with member states, Guterres said that over 3.4 million have died due to the pandemic and 500 million jobs had disappeared since the pandemic began in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. 
 
"The most vulnerable are suffering most, and I fear this is far from over," Guterres said. Guterres also urged for "a two-speed global response."

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday said that global efforts to inoculate populations need to be stepped up. World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to ensure that 10 per cent of their populations have received vaccinations against COVID-19 by September.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday said that global efforts to inoculate populations need to be stepped up. World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged countries to ensure that 10 per cent of their populations have received vaccinations against COVID-19 by September. Ghebreyesus called for a "massive push to vaccinate at least 10 per cent of the population of every country by September" during the health body’s main annual assembly. He also said that 115,000 healthcare workers succumbed to COVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic. "For almost 18 months, health and care workers all over the world have stood in the breach between life and death," Ghebreyesus said during the opening of the organisation's annual assembly. Also read: Bharat Biotech applies for WHO approval; pre-submission meeting soon "Many have themselves become infected, and while reporting is scant, we estimate that at least 115,000 health and care workers have paid the ultimate price in the service of others”, Ghebreyesus added. The chief of UN too, commented on the ongoing pandemic, saying that the world is “at war” against COVID-19. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world is “at war” against coronavirus. Also read: Taiwan slams WHO's 'indifference' after failing to get into key meeting Guterres said that the pandemic had caused a “tsunami of suffering” in countries around the world. During the World Health Organization’s main annual assembly with member states, Guterres said that over 3.4 million have died due to the pandemic and 500 million jobs had disappeared since the pandemic began in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. "The most vulnerable are suffering most, and I fear this is far from over," Guterres said. Guterres also urged for "a two-speed global response." (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: WHO chief urges all countries to vaccinate 10% of their populations by September

World Health Assembly (WHA) members will gather on May 24 to discuss the world's response to COVID-19 pandemic. World leaders have also called for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA but China is opposing it.

World leaders call for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA

Indian government said on Saturday that the WHO is yet to reach a consensus on the COVID-19 vaccine passport issue for allowing international travel to those fully vaccinated against the coronavirus infection and noted that discussions are still on.

Indian Govt: No consensus yet on COVID-19 vaccine passport issue at WHO level

The World Health Organisation believes the official global death toll is likely to be a "significant undercount". The actual number of deaths could be two to three times higher. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Real Global COVID death toll could be "two to three times" higher

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccines-have-spawned-nine-new-billionaires-campaign-group-386178"> virus </a>variants.

Watch:

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"All COVID-19 virus variants that have emerged so far do respond to the available, approved <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-approves-purchase-of-covid-vaccines-from-china-386133">vaccines</a>," Kluge said while asserting that social distancing norms should be continued to be followed.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier expressed a similar opinion saying that his government had "increasing confidence that vaccinations are effective against all variants" including the one first found in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-self-test-covid-19-at-home-icmr-approves-home-based-rapid-antigen-tests-kit-386182">India</a> while urging citizens to travel only to "amber" countries on the UK list.

Britain on Wednesday reported 2,696 COVID-19 cases and three deaths taking the total number of cases to 4.4 million including over 127, 690 deaths.

"Right now, in the face of a continued threat and new uncertainty, we need to continue to exercise caution and rethink or avoid international travel," WHO's European director said.

WHO's latest statement comes as Europe reopens for business and several British citizens recently vaccinated have decided to visit mainland Europe this summer.

"Vaccines may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot be blinded by that light," Kluge said. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, the US which was the hardest hit due to the virus recorded seven-day moving average deaths at 545 on May 16 which was essentially the number when the pandemic began in the country in March last year.

The United States has recorded over 33 million cases and over 587,870 deaths which is the highest in the world.&nbsp;

According to reports, 60 per cent of the US adult population has now been vaccinated including over 600,000 in the age group of 12-15 after the authorities allowed vaccination for teenagers.

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the virus variants.

The World Health Organization's(WHO) European director Hans Kluge warned about a "rethink" on international travel while adding that despite the fragile COVID-19 situation authorised vaccines work against the virus variants. Watch: "All COVID-19 virus variants that have emerged so far do respond to the available, approved vaccines," Kluge said while asserting that social distancing norms should be continued to be followed. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier expressed a similar opinion saying that his government had "increasing confidence that vaccinations are effective against all variants" including the one first found in India while urging citizens to travel only to "amber" countries on the UK list. Britain on Wednesday reported 2,696 COVID-19 cases and three deaths taking the total number of cases to 4.4 million including over 127, 690 deaths. "Right now, in the face of a continued threat and new uncertainty, we need to continue to exercise caution and rethink or avoid international travel," WHO's European director said. WHO's latest statement comes as Europe reopens for business and several British citizens recently vaccinated have decided to visit mainland Europe this summer. "Vaccines may be a light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot be blinded by that light," Kluge said. Meanwhile, the US which was the hardest hit due to the virus recorded seven-day moving average deaths at 545 on May 16 which was essentially the number when the pandemic began in the country in March last year. The United States has recorded over 33 million cases and over 587,870 deaths which is the highest in the world. According to reports, 60 per cent of the US adult population has now been vaccinated including over 600,000 in the age group of 12-15 after the authorities allowed vaccination for teenagers.

All COVID-19 virus variants respond to approved vaccines: WHO

International Vaccine Institute Director General Dr Jerome Kim talks to WION on WHO (World Health Organisation) ruling out Wuhan lab leak theory but remaining silent on the origin of the Coronavirus.

The  Interview: IVI Chief Dr Jerome Kim says WHO can't rule out Wuhan lab leak theory

The head of the World Health Organization called on COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to make shots available to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility earlier than planned due to a supply shortfall left by Indian export disruptions. 
 
COVAX, which supplies doses to poorer countries, relies heavily on India`s Serum Institute`s exports of the AstraZeneca shot but many of these are instead being used by the country as it battles a massive second wave of infections. 
 
The head of UNICEF on Monday asked wealthy G7 countries ahead of a summit next month to donate supplies as an emergency measure to make up the shortfall estimated at 140 million doses by end-May. 
 
"While we appreciate the work of AstraZeneca who have been steadily increasing the speed and volume of their deliveries, we need other manufacturers to follow suit," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing. 
 
Specifically, he asked Pfizer to bring forward deliveries of some 40 million doses in the second half of the year and asked Moderna to make doses pledged for 2022 available this year. 
 
"We need doses right now and call on them to bring forward deliveries as soon as possible," he said. 
 
G7 member France has already given some AstraZeneca shots to COVAX and talks with Washington on donations are ongoing. 
 
WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward defended COVAX`s work so far in providing 65 million doses to 120 countries, calling it a success. But wealthy countries need to donate more vaccines now they have vaccinated their most vulnerable populations, he said. 
 
"We are moving in the right direction. We are not moving there fast enough and we are not moving there at large enough volumes," he said.

The head of the World Health Organization called on COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to make shots available to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility earlier than planned due to a supply shortfall left by Indian export disruptions.

The head of the World Health Organization called on COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers to make shots available to the COVAX vaccine-sharing facility earlier than planned due to a supply shortfall left by Indian export disruptions. COVAX, which supplies doses to poorer countries, relies heavily on India`s Serum Institute`s exports of the AstraZeneca shot but many of these are instead being used by the country as it battles a massive second wave of infections. The head of UNICEF on Monday asked wealthy G7 countries ahead of a summit next month to donate supplies as an emergency measure to make up the shortfall estimated at 140 million doses by end-May. "While we appreciate the work of AstraZeneca who have been steadily increasing the speed and volume of their deliveries, we need other manufacturers to follow suit," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing. Specifically, he asked Pfizer to bring forward deliveries of some 40 million doses in the second half of the year and asked Moderna to make doses pledged for 2022 available this year. "We need doses right now and call on them to bring forward deliveries as soon as possible," he said. G7 member France has already given some AstraZeneca shots to COVAX and talks with Washington on donations are ongoing. WHO senior adviser Bruce Aylward defended COVAX`s work so far in providing 65 million doses to 120 countries, calling it a success. But wealthy countries need to donate more vaccines now they have vaccinated their most vulnerable populations, he said. "We are moving in the right direction. We are not moving there fast enough and we are not moving there at large enough volumes," he said.

WHO chief urges COVID-19 vaccine makers to advance doses for COVAX

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday.&nbsp;

In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016.&nbsp;

That was an increase of nearly 30% from 2000.&nbsp;

"Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard," said Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health.&nbsp;

"What we want to do with this information is promote more action, more protection of workers," she said.&nbsp;

The joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, showed that most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Often, the deaths occurred much later in life, sometimes decades later, than the shifts worked.&nbsp;

It also showed that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, a WHO-defined region which includes China, Japan and Australia, were the most affected.&nbsp;

Overall, the study, drawing on data from 194 countries, said that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared with a 35-40 hour working week.&nbsp;

The study covered the period 2000-2016, and so did not include the COVID-19 pandemic, but WHO officials said the surge in remote working and the global economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks.&nbsp;

"The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time," the WHO said, estimating that at least nine per cent of people work long hours.&nbsp;

WHO staff, including its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira said the UN agency would seek to improve its policy in light of the study.&nbsp;

Capping hours would be beneficial for employers since that has been shown to increase worker productivity, WHO technical officer Frank Pega said.&nbsp;

"It's really a smart choice not to increase long working hours in an economic crisis." &nbsp;

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

Working long hours is killing hundreds of thousands of people a year in a worsening trend that may accelerate further due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization said on Monday. In the first global study of the loss of life associated with longer working hours, the paper in the journal Environment International showed that 745,000 people died from stroke and heart disease associated with long working hours in 2016. That was an increase of nearly 30% from 2000. "Working 55 hours or more per week is a serious health hazard," said Maria Neira, director of the WHO's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Health. "What we want to do with this information is promote more action, more protection of workers," she said. The joint study, produced by the WHO and the International Labour Organization, showed that most victims (72%) were men and were middle-aged or older. Often, the deaths occurred much later in life, sometimes decades later, than the shifts worked. It also showed that people living in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, a WHO-defined region which includes China, Japan and Australia, were the most affected. Overall, the study, drawing on data from 194 countries, said that working 55 hours or more a week is associated with a 35% higher risk of stroke and a 17% higher risk of dying from ischemic heart disease compared with a 35-40 hour working week. The study covered the period 2000-2016, and so did not include the COVID-19 pandemic, but WHO officials said the surge in remote working and the global economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus emergency may have increased the risks. "The pandemic is accelerating developments that could feed the trend towards increased working time," the WHO said, estimating that at least nine per cent of people work long hours. WHO staff, including its chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, say they have been working long hours during the pandemic and Neira said the UN agency would seek to improve its policy in light of the study. Capping hours would be beneficial for employers since that has been shown to increase worker productivity, WHO technical officer Frank Pega said. "It's really a smart choice not to increase long working hours in an economic crisis."

Long working hours are a killer, WHO study shows 

WHO is urging wealthy countries to stop vaccinating children and instead are asking them to donate the doses to poorer nations and this comes as the UN Health Body warned that the pandemic second year would be more deadly.

WHO: Donate shots instead of vaccinating children

US trade Representative Katherine Tai on Friday virtually met World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss increasing vaccine production and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on COVID-19 vaccines for the pandemic.&nbsp;

According to a readout from her office, Tai explained the Biden-Harris administration’s support for the waiver of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines and explained that this fits the United States' comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world.&nbsp;

She also asked Ghebreyesus for his views on the immediate steps to collectively increase access to vaccines. Tai asked how the WHO declares the existence, and the end, of a pandemic, and the steps the global health body is taking to increase pandemic preparedness. She and Ghebreyesus also agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead. &nbsp;

Earlier, the US Trade Representative also met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss on the same issues. As per the readout from her office, Tai conveyed her deep sympathy for the people of India as they battle a wave of COVID-19 cases and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to help India during its time of need.&nbsp;

She also explained her support for the TRIPS waiver and text-based negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world.&nbsp;

Tai recognised the WTO Members, who have expressed support for future negotiations and welcomed an update from Goyal about India's efforts to revise and resubmit their waiver proposal. She and the Union Minister agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead.&nbsp;

The TRIPS waiver aims to increase global vaccine production in order to take on the challenge of vaccinating the poorest of the poor and save lives. In October last year, India and South Africa, along with 57 members of WTO proposed a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement for prevention, containment, and treatment of COVID-19.&nbsp;

The WTO agreement on TRIPS is a comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property. US President Joe Biden's administration had on May 6 announced its support for a global waiver on patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines and said it will negotiate the terms at the WTO. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US trade Representative Katherine Tai on Friday virtually met World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss increasing vaccine production and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on COVID-19 vaccines for the pandemic.

US trade Representative Katherine Tai on Friday virtually met World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to discuss increasing vaccine production and the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) waiver on COVID-19 vaccines for the pandemic. According to a readout from her office, Tai explained the Biden-Harris administration’s support for the waiver of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines and explained that this fits the United States' comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world. She also asked Ghebreyesus for his views on the immediate steps to collectively increase access to vaccines. Tai asked how the WHO declares the existence, and the end, of a pandemic, and the steps the global health body is taking to increase pandemic preparedness. She and Ghebreyesus also agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead. Earlier, the US Trade Representative also met Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal to discuss on the same issues. As per the readout from her office, Tai conveyed her deep sympathy for the people of India as they battle a wave of COVID-19 cases and reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to help India during its time of need. She also explained her support for the TRIPS waiver and text-based negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), which are part of the Biden-Harris Administration's comprehensive effort to expand vaccine manufacturing and distribution around the world. Tai recognised the WTO Members, who have expressed support for future negotiations and welcomed an update from Goyal about India's efforts to revise and resubmit their waiver proposal. She and the Union Minister agreed to stay in regular communication in the days ahead. The TRIPS waiver aims to increase global vaccine production in order to take on the challenge of vaccinating the poorest of the poor and save lives. In October last year, India and South Africa, along with 57 members of WTO proposed a waiver from certain provisions of the TRIPS agreement for prevention, containment, and treatment of COVID-19. The WTO agreement on TRIPS is a comprehensive multilateral agreement on intellectual property. US President Joe Biden's administration had on May 6 announced its support for a global waiver on patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines and said it will negotiate the terms at the WTO. (With inputs from agencies)

US Trade Representative Tai meets WHO chief, discusses vaccine production, TRIPS waiver 

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