More than a year after the Coronavirus pandemic began, the World Health Organisation (WHO) team probing COVID-19 origin in the Chinese city Wuhan will brief the media today (09 February).

WHO team probing COVID-19 origins in China to brief media

A World Health Organization probe team member has said that the team concluded its site visit in China's Wuhan, they are investigating the origins of coronavirus. The probe team visited various markets and hospital sites that first witness the outbreak. WHO probe team will go through all the data before submitting a summary of their findings.

WHO team members are worried about different bat COVID-19

The Central government on Thursday said that it has raised the matter of the wrong depiction of the map on India on the WHO's website "strongly" following which the global health body has put a disclaimer on its portal.&nbsp;

Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the matter was brought to the notice of WHO.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-raises-inaccurate-depiction-of-indian-map-with-who-chief-tedros-calls-for-immediate-removal-356667">Government raises inaccurate depiction of Indian map with WHO chief Tedros; calls for immediate removal</a>

Last month, the map of India on WHO's portal showed Indian territories in different colours, with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh coloured in grey, while the rest of India was depicted in blue.&nbsp;

"The issue of wrong depiction of the map of India on the WHO`s website has been raised strongly with the WHO. In response the WHO has informed Permanent Mission of India in Geneva that they have put a disclaimer on the portal," the minister said.&nbsp;

"The disclaimer says 'designations employed and presentation of these materials do not imply the expression of any opinion on part of the WHO concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area or of its authorities or concerning legal status of any country, territory or area of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries dotted/dashed lines on maps represent approx border lines for which there may not be full agreement'."&nbsp;

The minister added that India's stand on the right depiction of boundaries is "unambiguously reiterated" to the global health body.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

The Central government on Thursday said that it has raised the matter of the wrong depiction of the map on India on the WHO's website "strongly" following which the global health body has put a disclaimer on its portal.

The Central government on Thursday said that it has raised the matter of the wrong depiction of the map on India on the WHO's website "strongly" following which the global health body has put a disclaimer on its portal. Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House), Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said the matter was brought to the notice of WHO. Watch | Also read | Government raises inaccurate depiction of Indian map with WHO chief Tedros; calls for immediate removal Last month, the map of India on WHO's portal showed Indian territories in different colours, with Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh coloured in grey, while the rest of India was depicted in blue. "The issue of wrong depiction of the map of India on the WHO`s website has been raised strongly with the WHO. In response the WHO has informed Permanent Mission of India in Geneva that they have put a disclaimer on the portal," the minister said. "The disclaimer says 'designations employed and presentation of these materials do not imply the expression of any opinion on part of the WHO concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area or of its authorities or concerning legal status of any country, territory or area of its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries dotted/dashed lines on maps represent approx border lines for which there may not be full agreement'." The minister added that India's stand on the right depiction of boundaries is "unambiguously reiterated" to the global health body.

WHO puts disclaimer after Indian govt 'strongly' complains wrong depiction of map

A team of World Health Organisation (WHO) experts who are investigating the origin of Coronavirus in China have arrived Wuhan virology lab. Experts believe that the Wuhan virology institute might possibly be the one source of the deadly outbreak of COVID-19 infection.

News Alert: WHO experts arrive at Wuhan virology institute to investigates virus origin in China

A team of investigators led by the World Health Organization (WHO) arrived on Tuesday at an animal health facility in China's central city of Wuhan in the search for clues about the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.

WHO-led COVID-19 probe team in China visits animal health facility

It is time to start solving the mystery of Long Covid, an aspect of the pandemic blighting millions of lives, the World Health Organization's leader on post-Covid conditions told AFP.

Little is known about why some people, after coming through the acute phase of Covid-19, struggle to recover and suffer ongoing symptoms including tiredness, brain fog, cardiac and neurological disorders.

At this stage of the pandemic, the world is fixated on vaccine roll-out and new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus.

However, Long Covid deserves similar urgent attention, said Janet Diaz, the clinical care lead in the WHO's emergencies programme, ahead of a push for a globally-unified approach to the problem.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-experts-visit-wuhan-market-the-location-of-first-covid-outbreak-360386">&nbsp;WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak</a>

"We still don't fully understand what Long Covid is," Diaz told AFP in an interview outside the WHO's headquarters in Geneva.

"There's quite a bit to learn, but I am confident that the scientific community is really rallying around."

Tellingly, Long Covid does not yet have a proper name.

The WHO currently calls it post-Covid condition, while other terms in circulation include post-acute Covid syndrome and Covid long haulers.

Building up a picture

The WHO is hosting a first global seminar on Long Covid on February 9. It will bring scientists, experts and clinicians together to define the condition, give it a formal name and harmonise study methods.

"It's a condition that needs further description, further understanding of how many are affected and further understanding of what is causing it, so we can better prevent, manage and treat it," said Diaz, 48, a US respiratory physician and intensive care doctor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-biggest-daily-surge-in-new-coronavirus-cases-360342">China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases</a>

She said British and other studies suggested potentially one in 10 cases may have prolonged symptoms one month after infection, but there was no picture yet of how long those conditions might persist.

The elderly and those with underlying conditions are most at risk of serious disease from Covid-19.

But the profile of Long Covid patients does not match. It affects people with varying degrees of severity of disease and "seems to potentially also include younger people", including children, said Diaz.

While the pandemic response priority remains preventing people from catching the virus and falling ill, treating coronavirus cases "must also now include care after the acute illness... until you get back to full health", Diaz said.

Cracking the code

Diaz said fatigue seemed to be the most common symptom, with others including post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction or brain fog, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and neurological problems.

"How these are all related -- that's what we don't understand. Why would one person get this, and the other person get that?" asked Diaz, saying researchers needed to crack the underlying mechanisms of the disease that were causing these persistent symptoms.

"Is it something due to the virus? Due to the immune response? If we had a better idea, we could start to target some interventions to reduce symptoms."

Diaz said a "tremendous amount" of research was underway, largely classic observational studies following discharged patients.

The first Covid-19 cases were discovered in China in December 2019. But it was only when Long Covid started appearing on the radar months later that mystified sufferers began reaching out and joining the dots themselves.

"That's been a tremendous movement," said Diaz, who took on the Long Covid remit in October.

In the first wave of the pandemic, struggling health care systems got patients through the acute illness, "but then didn't realise they weren't recovering to their previous health".

She said the patient-led research had driven scientists to do further studies, and "collaboratively we should get to an answer quicker".

'Stay hopeful'

The February 9 seminar, at which scientists will present their latest findings, will be the first in a regular series.

"Right now, we probably have enough descriptive data to start to bring it all together," said Diaz.

Besides agreeing a definition and a name, the meeting will launch a standardised data collection methods for monitoring patients, and start opening doors towards clinical prevention and management.

"We quickly have to build our understanding from each other's experiences," Diaz said.

Crucially, donors will be taking part, and are "really aware" of the pressing need for Long Covid funding, she added.

In a message to the potential millions still suffering long after they are officially considered recovered, Diaz said: "Stay hopeful".

"People may have prolonged symptoms, but we do know people are recovering. It may take a long time, but they are still recovering to previous health. We're with you."

It is time to start solving the mystery of Long Covid, an aspect of the pandemic blighting millions of lives, the World Health Organization's leader on post-Covid conditions told AFP.

It is time to start solving the mystery of Long Covid, an aspect of the pandemic blighting millions of lives, the World Health Organization's leader on post-Covid conditions told AFP. Little is known about why some people, after coming through the acute phase of Covid-19, struggle to recover and suffer ongoing symptoms including tiredness, brain fog, cardiac and neurological disorders. At this stage of the pandemic, the world is fixated on vaccine roll-out and new, more contagious variants of the coronavirus. However, Long Covid deserves similar urgent attention, said Janet Diaz, the clinical care lead in the WHO's emergencies programme, ahead of a push for a globally-unified approach to the problem. Also read| WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak "We still don't fully understand what Long Covid is," Diaz told AFP in an interview outside the WHO's headquarters in Geneva. "There's quite a bit to learn, but I am confident that the scientific community is really rallying around." Tellingly, Long Covid does not yet have a proper name. The WHO currently calls it post-Covid condition, while other terms in circulation include post-acute Covid syndrome and Covid long haulers. Building up a picture The WHO is hosting a first global seminar on Long Covid on February 9. It will bring scientists, experts and clinicians together to define the condition, give it a formal name and harmonise study methods. "It's a condition that needs further description, further understanding of how many are affected and further understanding of what is causing it, so we can better prevent, manage and treat it," said Diaz, 48, a US respiratory physician and intensive care doctor. Also read | China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases She said British and other studies suggested potentially one in 10 cases may have prolonged symptoms one month after infection, but there was no picture yet of how long those conditions might persist. The elderly and those with underlying conditions are most at risk of serious disease from Covid-19. But the profile of Long Covid patients does not match. It affects people with varying degrees of severity of disease and "seems to potentially also include younger people", including children, said Diaz. While the pandemic response priority remains preventing people from catching the virus and falling ill, treating coronavirus cases "must also now include care after the acute illness... until you get back to full health", Diaz said. Cracking the code Diaz said fatigue seemed to be the most common symptom, with others including post-exertional malaise, cognitive dysfunction or brain fog, shortness of breath, heart palpitations and neurological problems. "How these are all related -- that's what we don't understand. Why would one person get this, and the other person get that?" asked Diaz, saying researchers needed to crack the underlying mechanisms of the disease that were causing these persistent symptoms. "Is it something due to the virus? Due to the immune response? If we had a better idea, we could start to target some interventions to reduce symptoms." Diaz said a "tremendous amount" of research was underway, largely classic observational studies following discharged patients. The first Covid-19 cases were discovered in China in December 2019. But it was only when Long Covid started appearing on the radar months later that mystified sufferers began reaching out and joining the dots themselves. "That's been a tremendous movement," said Diaz, who took on the Long Covid remit in October. In the first wave of the pandemic, struggling health care systems got patients through the acute illness, "but then didn't realise they weren't recovering to their previous health". She said the patient-led research had driven scientists to do further studies, and "collaboratively we should get to an answer quicker". 'Stay hopeful' The February 9 seminar, at which scientists will present their latest findings, will be the first in a regular series. "Right now, we probably have enough descriptive data to start to bring it all together," said Diaz. Besides agreeing a definition and a name, the meeting will launch a standardised data collection methods for monitoring patients, and start opening doors towards clinical prevention and management. "We quickly have to build our understanding from each other's experiences," Diaz said. Crucially, donors will be taking part, and are "really aware" of the pressing need for Long Covid funding, she added. In a message to the potential millions still suffering long after they are officially considered recovered, Diaz said: "Stay hopeful". "People may have prolonged symptoms, but we do know people are recovering. It may take a long time, but they are still recovering to previous health. We're with you."

Time to team up and tackle Long Covid, says WHO expert

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization on Monday said that 90 per cent of the global coronavirus vaccinations have been administered in high-income countries so far. 
 
In conversation with Sky News, Margaret Harris claimed that over 40 million shots had been given out so far. Harris added that among this, only two countries which fall under low income or low middle-income had begun their vaccination programmes.

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"Of the more than 40 million vaccinations that have happened, over 90% are happening in countries that we classify as high-income countries", Harris said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/with-focus-on-globalization-of-india-developed-vaccines-eua-for-covaxin-filed-in-the-philippines-360410" hreflang="en">With focus on globalization of India-developed vaccines, EUA for Covaxin filed in the Philippines</a>

"When you get to the low-income countries of the lower middle-income countries, so it's the people with the least resources, we've only seen it happening in two countries. So there is a lot of catch up to be done and we've got countries with very, very serious outbreaks like South Africa that we need to see the vaccination start in", the spokesperson added. 
 
Harris added that it's in everyone's interest to get people across the world vaccinated as soon as possible. "It's important for the people of every country to understand that their interests lie in getting the whole world vaccinated", Harris said.

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"This pandemic will continue to burn unless we do it at the same time around the world," she said.

"We don't want more variants to develop. We don't want things to get more complicated. So even though it feels like it's not in your interest, it really is in your interest to get those people vaccinated in other countries", Harris added.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization on Monday said that 90 per cent of the global coronavirus vaccinations have been administered in high-income countries so far.

A spokesperson for the World Health Organization on Monday said that 90 per cent of the global coronavirus vaccinations have been administered in high-income countries so far. In conversation with Sky News, Margaret Harris claimed that over 40 million shots had been given out so far. Harris added that among this, only two countries which fall under low income or low middle-income had begun their vaccination programmes. "Of the more than 40 million vaccinations that have happened, over 90% are happening in countries that we classify as high-income countries", Harris said. Also read: With focus on globalization of India-developed vaccines, EUA for Covaxin filed in the Philippines "When you get to the low-income countries of the lower middle-income countries, so it's the people with the least resources, we've only seen it happening in two countries. So there is a lot of catch up to be done and we've got countries with very, very serious outbreaks like South Africa that we need to see the vaccination start in", the spokesperson added. Harris added that it's in everyone's interest to get people across the world vaccinated as soon as possible. "It's important for the people of every country to understand that their interests lie in getting the whole world vaccinated", Harris said. Also read: WHO chief decries COVID vaccine hording by wealthy nations "This pandemic will continue to burn unless we do it at the same time around the world," she said. "We don't want more variants to develop. We don't want things to get more complicated. So even though it feels like it's not in your interest, it really is in your interest to get those people vaccinated in other countries", Harris added.

WHO says 90% coronavirus vaccinations administered in rich countries

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year.

The experts in the team arrived at Hunan seafood market. They were allowed access but guards quickly stopped others from entering, said AFP.

In last few days, the team has visited several locations in Wuhan including a hospital and what was called a 'propaganda' exhibition by the media.

The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-biggest-daily-surge-in-new-coronavirus-cases-360342">China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases</a>

On Saturday, team member Peter Daszak welcomed the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!"

The mission, delayed by China and weighed down by political baggage, has a remit to explore how the virus jumped from animal to human.

On Sunday, the WHO team arrived at the Huanan market as part of a long-planned trip now closely monitored by the Chinese authorities.

(With AFP inputs)

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year.

World Health Organisation (WHO) team of experts investigating origins of COVID-19 pandemic visited market in Wuhan which was the scene of very first reported clusters of coronavirus last year. The experts in the team arrived at Hunan seafood market. They were allowed access but guards quickly stopped others from entering, said AFP. In last few days, the team has visited several locations in Wuhan including a hospital and what was called a 'propaganda' exhibition by the media. The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets. Also Read | China reports biggest daily surge in new coronavirus cases On Saturday, team member Peter Daszak welcomed the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!" The mission, delayed by China and weighed down by political baggage, has a remit to explore how the virus jumped from animal to human. On Sunday, the WHO team arrived at the Huanan market as part of a long-planned trip now closely monitored by the Chinese authorities. (With AFP inputs)

WHO experts visit Wuhan market, the location of first COVID outbreak

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses&nbsp;

"The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities."

"Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said.

The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world.

The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hungary-becomes-first-country-in-eu-to-approve-chinese-vaccine-sinopharm-as-europe-grapples-with-virus-360101">Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus</a>

WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine.

Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries.

He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over.&nbsp;

"I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said.

The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure."

But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery."

"Is that what we want? It is our choice."

(With AFP inputs)

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past.

Warning that vaccine hording by wealthy nations would drag out the pandemic, World Health Organisation chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that these countries should avoid mistakes of the past. Dr Tedros expressed his displeasure at the skirmish among wealthy countries to secure vaccines when poorer nations are yet to receive adequate doses "The pandemic has exposed and exploited the inequalities of our world," he told journalists, warning that there now was "the real danger that the very tools that could help to end the pandemic -– vaccines –- may exacerbate those same inequalities." "Vaccine nationalism might serve short-term political goals. But it’s ultimately short-sighted and self-defeating," he said. The WHO co-leads the COVAX facility, which is working to procure vaccines and ensure doses are delivered equitably around the world. The facility expects to begin delivering doses within a few weeks, and Tedros said the aim was for vaccination of health workers and older people to be underway in all countries within the first 100 days of 2021. Also Read | Hungary becomes first country in EU to approve Chinese vaccine Sinopharm as Europe grapples with virus WHO has stressed many times that the only way to defeat the pandemic and improve the world economy is to ensure that the priority groups in all countries get coronavirus vaccine. Tedros urged the world avoid repeating past mistakes, pointing to the HIV/AIDS crisis, where wealthy countries acquired life-saving medicines nearly a decade before they became affordable in poorer countries. He also pointed to the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009, when vaccines only reached poorer nations after the outbreak was over. "I don't think that is a good history. It is bad history," he said. The WHO chief cautioned that "if we hoard vaccines, and if we are not sharing... there will be a catastrophic moral failure." But in addition, he warned, "it keeps the pandemic burning, and...(will) slow global economic recovery." "Is that what we want? It is our choice." (With AFP inputs)

WHO chief decries COVID vaccine hording by wealthy nations

Team of World Health Organisation experts visited an exhibition that celebrated China's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan. News agency AFP mentioned this to be a 'propaganda' exhibition. The experts toured the exhibition after a meeting at the hospital that treated first confirmed COVID-19 case a year ago.

The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets. The group of experts was driven to the Jinyintan Hospital, the first to receive officially diagnosed Covid-19 patients in late 2019, as the horrors of the virus emerged in the central Chinese city.

Team member Peter Daszak welcomes the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!"

On Saturday afternoon, the team visited a cavernous exhibition that applauds the emergency response of Wuhan health authorities in the chaotic, terrifying early stages of the outbreak -- as well as the agility of the Communist leadership in controlling a crisis without precedent.

The WHO mission comes with heavy political baggage -- China refused the team access until mid-January and there are question marks over what the experts can hope to find a year after the virus first emerged.

On Friday, the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan sought to manage expectations.

Success "is not measured necessarily in absolutely finding a source on the first mission", he told a press conference in Geneva.

"This is a complicated business, but what we need to do is gather all of the data... and come to an assessment as to how much more we know about the origins of the disease and what further studies may be needed to elucidate that."

Last week, China warned the United States against "political interference" during the trip, after the White House demanded a "robust and clear" investigation.

The WHO insists the probe will stick tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped from animals -- believed to be bats -- to humans.

(With AFP inputs)

Team of World Health Organisation experts visited an exhibition that celebrated China's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan. News agency AFP mentioned this to be a 'propaganda' exhibition.

Team of World Health Organisation experts visited an exhibition that celebrated China's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic in Wuhan. News agency AFP mentioned this to be a 'propaganda' exhibition. The experts toured the exhibition after a meeting at the hospital that treated first confirmed COVID-19 case a year ago. The media has been kept away from the experts and details such as itinerary are trickling through WHO tweets. The group of experts was driven to the Jinyintan Hospital, the first to receive officially diagnosed Covid-19 patients in late 2019, as the horrors of the virus emerged in the central Chinese city. Team member Peter Daszak welcomes the hospital visit as an "Important opportunity to talk directly w/ medics who were on the ground at that critical time fighting COVID!" On Saturday afternoon, the team visited a cavernous exhibition that applauds the emergency response of Wuhan health authorities in the chaotic, terrifying early stages of the outbreak -- as well as the agility of the Communist leadership in controlling a crisis without precedent. The WHO mission comes with heavy political baggage -- China refused the team access until mid-January and there are question marks over what the experts can hope to find a year after the virus first emerged. On Friday, the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan sought to manage expectations. Success "is not measured necessarily in absolutely finding a source on the first mission", he told a press conference in Geneva. "This is a complicated business, but what we need to do is gather all of the data... and come to an assessment as to how much more we know about the origins of the disease and what further studies may be needed to elucidate that." Last week, China warned the United States against "political interference" during the trip, after the White House demanded a "robust and clear" investigation. The WHO insists the probe will stick tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped from animals -- believed to be bats -- to humans. (With AFP inputs)

WHO COVID team visits hospital, 'propaganda' exhibition in Wuhan

World Health Organisation (WHO) experts are set to start their first site visit in Wuhan. On Friday, the experts met Chinese officials. The WHO probe is set to take place in Wuhan's food market that is considered to be the "ground zero" of coronavirus pandemic. The fieldwork will start in the afternoon (local time). The team of experts will visit hospitals, and will meet scientists, first responders and early coronavirus patients&nbsp;

Crucially, "field visits will include the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Huanan market, Wuhan CDC laboratory", the WHO said in a tweet late Thursday -- three sites now indelibly linked with the virus.

Hunan market is considered to be first major cluster of coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Wuhan Institute of Virology houses a virus testing facility which was weaponised by former US President Donald Trump, who until his final days in office pushed the unsubstantiated theory that the virus escaped from there.

The mission's exact itinerary remains unclear -- tweets from the WHO and their experts are so far the main source of information.

The highly politicised mission has been beset by delays with China refusing access until mid-January, while Washington has demanded a "robust and clear" investigation.

China on Thursday warned the US against "political interference" during a trip which the WHO insists will be tethered tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped to humans.

Beijing is desperate to take the air out of the blame game and instead train attention on its handling and recovery from the outbreak.

In a tweet late Thursday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had had a "frank discussion" with China's Health Minister Ma Xiaowei.

"I asked that the international scientists get the support, access &amp; data needed, and the chance to engage fully with their Chinese counterparts," he said.

The experts left a two-week quarantine on Thursday under the glare of the global media.

China's National Health Commission says 4,636 people have died in the country as a result of the virus.

The nation's GDP grew 2.3 per cent in 2020, the only major economy to do so.

World Health Organisation (WHO) experts are set to start their first site visit in Wuhan. On Friday, the experts met Chinese officials. The WHO probe is set to take place in Wuhan's food market that is considered to be the "ground zero" of coronavirus pandemic.

World Health Organisation (WHO) experts are set to start their first site visit in Wuhan. On Friday, the experts met Chinese officials. The WHO probe is set to take place in Wuhan's food market that is considered to be the "ground zero" of coronavirus pandemic. The fieldwork will start in the afternoon (local time). The team of experts will visit hospitals, and will meet scientists, first responders and early coronavirus patients Crucially, "field visits will include the Wuhan Institute of Virology, Huanan market, Wuhan CDC laboratory", the WHO said in a tweet late Thursday -- three sites now indelibly linked with the virus. Hunan market is considered to be first major cluster of coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, the Wuhan Institute of Virology houses a virus testing facility which was weaponised by former US President Donald Trump, who until his final days in office pushed the unsubstantiated theory that the virus escaped from there. The mission's exact itinerary remains unclear -- tweets from the WHO and their experts are so far the main source of information. The highly politicised mission has been beset by delays with China refusing access until mid-January, while Washington has demanded a "robust and clear" investigation. China on Thursday warned the US against "political interference" during a trip which the WHO insists will be tethered tightly to the science behind how the virus jumped to humans. Beijing is desperate to take the air out of the blame game and instead train attention on its handling and recovery from the outbreak. In a tweet late Thursday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said he had had a "frank discussion" with China's Health Minister Ma Xiaowei. "I asked that the international scientists get the support, access & data needed, and the chance to engage fully with their Chinese counterparts," he said. The experts left a two-week quarantine on Thursday under the glare of the global media. China's National Health Commission says 4,636 people have died in the country as a result of the virus. The nation's GDP grew 2.3 per cent in 2020, the only major economy to do so.

WHO coronavirus experts to start fieldwork in Wuhan

Throughout January 2020, WHO kept praising China's response publicly. But, audio recordings of internal WHO meetings show how senior officials were complaining about not getting enough information from China. WION's Molly Gambhir brings you the revelations.

Gravitas: Wuhan Virus Pandemic: Leaked audio featuring WHO officials reveal China's lapses

Relatives of the victims in Wuhan are demanding a meeting with the WHO investigators. They say Chinese authorities have deleted a WeChat group they were using to build support and hold officials accountable for the pandemic. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Wuhan: Families of victims demand a meeting with the WHO team

Africa can expect to see at least 30 percent of its population immunised against coronavirus by the end of 2021, the World Health Organization said Thursday, as vaccines begin trickling into the continent.

It is estimated Africa will need 1.5 billion vaccine doses to immunise 60 percent of its 1.3 billion inhabitants, the threshold for herd immunity against Covid-19.

But the continent has fallen behind in the global vaccine scramble, as wealthier nations have been accused of bulk-buying excess doses directly from manufacturers.

Most African countries are relying on the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) to shoulder at least part of their innoculation campaigns -- providing vaccines and helping to finance their roll out.

WHO Africa's immunisation coordinator Richard Mihigo said the WHO-backed Covax vaccine sharing facility and the AU's African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) would jointly deliver enough doses to vaccinate between 30 to 35 percent of the continent's population this year.

"Given the latest developments within the Covax facility, there is a very good prospect that the objective to supply 600 million doses by the end of 2021 will definitely be reached," Mihigo told a virtual press briefing.&nbsp;

The Covax vaccines will cover at least 20 percent of the population, with the rest "complemented" by AVATT, he added.

While the AU has so far secured 270 million doses through AVATT, Mihigo warned "some of those may not become available soon" and that the initiative could "realistically" only expect to reach between 10 and 15 percent of the continent in 2021.

The bulk of Covax and AVATT provisions will be shots of Oxford/AstraZeneca's vaccine, followed by a few million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs.

Mihigo said the WHO was exploring "additional candidates", with particularly high hopes for Johnson &amp; Johnson's one-shot vaccine.

So far only a small handful of African countries have started vaccinating their populations, including Guinea, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

Morocco is expected to begin administering the shots this week, while South Africa announced on Wednesday that a first batch of 1.5 million AstraZeneca vaccines would arrive on February 1.

Mihigo said the first Covax doses were likely to reach the continent by mid-February, and that "by March we will definitely see most of the countries start vaccinating".

"It is a slow start but we are expecting that in the coming months things are going to ramp up."

To date Africa has recorded close to 3.5 million coronavirus cases and 88,000 deaths, according to a tally compiled by AFP.

A new virus variant first detected in South Africa that is thought to be more contagious has cropped up in at least six African countries and 24 worldwide, according to the WHO.

Africa can expect to see at least 30 percent of its population immunised against coronavirus by the end of 2021, the World Health Organization said Thursday, as vaccines begin trickling into the continent.

Africa can expect to see at least 30 percent of its population immunised against coronavirus by the end of 2021, the World Health Organization said Thursday, as vaccines begin trickling into the continent. It is estimated Africa will need 1.5 billion vaccine doses to immunise 60 percent of its 1.3 billion inhabitants, the threshold for herd immunity against Covid-19. But the continent has fallen behind in the global vaccine scramble, as wealthier nations have been accused of bulk-buying excess doses directly from manufacturers. Most African countries are relying on the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Union (AU) to shoulder at least part of their innoculation campaigns -- providing vaccines and helping to finance their roll out. WHO Africa's immunisation coordinator Richard Mihigo said the WHO-backed Covax vaccine sharing facility and the AU's African Vaccine Acquisition Task Team (AVATT) would jointly deliver enough doses to vaccinate between 30 to 35 percent of the continent's population this year. "Given the latest developments within the Covax facility, there is a very good prospect that the objective to supply 600 million doses by the end of 2021 will definitely be reached," Mihigo told a virtual press briefing. The Covax vaccines will cover at least 20 percent of the population, with the rest "complemented" by AVATT, he added. While the AU has so far secured 270 million doses through AVATT, Mihigo warned "some of those may not become available soon" and that the initiative could "realistically" only expect to reach between 10 and 15 percent of the continent in 2021. The bulk of Covax and AVATT provisions will be shots of Oxford/AstraZeneca's vaccine, followed by a few million Pfizer-BioNTech jabs. Mihigo said the WHO was exploring "additional candidates", with particularly high hopes for Johnson & Johnson's one-shot vaccine. So far only a small handful of African countries have started vaccinating their populations, including Guinea, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Morocco is expected to begin administering the shots this week, while South Africa announced on Wednesday that a first batch of 1.5 million AstraZeneca vaccines would arrive on February 1. Mihigo said the first Covax doses were likely to reach the continent by mid-February, and that "by March we will definitely see most of the countries start vaccinating". "It is a slow start but we are expecting that in the coming months things are going to ramp up." To date Africa has recorded close to 3.5 million coronavirus cases and 88,000 deaths, according to a tally compiled by AFP. A new virus variant first detected in South Africa that is thought to be more contagious has cropped up in at least six African countries and 24 worldwide, according to the WHO.

One third of Africa will be vaccinated this year: WHO

A World Health Organization-led team investigating the origins of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic left their quarantine hotel on Thursday (January 28) to begin fieldwork, two weeks after arriving in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the virus emerged in late 2019.

WHO team probing coronavirus origins in China's Wuhan leave quarantine

In a finding, the associated press assessed an audio recording about a meeting held between WHO and Chinese officials, the said meeting took place in January 2020 weeks after the COVID-19 Pandemic hit China. This audio exposed that China regardless of being the epicenter for the virus kept the world and UN nations into darkness about the Coronavirus.

WHO recordings show China delayed releasing coronavirus information

China’s silence in the earliest days of the coronavirus crisis had made it worse for the whole world. And still, China is making it harder for the world to solve the mystery around the origins of the Wuhan virus. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-china-makes-absurd-claims-on-coronavirus-origin-359518">Also read | Now, China makes absurd claims on coronavirus origin</a>

According to news reports, Audio recordings of internal WHO meetings show that even while the WHO praised China's response in public, officials were complaining privately over not getting the information they needed to fight the spread of the deadly virus.

The recordings obtained suggest that the WHO officials were lauding China in public because they wanted to coax more information out of the government. 
 
Xi Jinping Government also held off on releasing the genome of the virus for more than a week after three different government labs had fully decoded the information, slowing recognition that the virus was spreading.

"General, 'there's been no evidence of human-to-human transmission' is not good enough," WHO executive director Michael Ryan said in one of the recordings. 
 
"We need to see the data, we need to be able to determine for ourselves the geographic distribution, the timeline, the epi curve and all of that."

US Department of Homeland Security report dated May 1, 2020, had also stated that Chinese leaders "intentionally concealed the severity" of the pandemic from the world in early January last year.

Other reports also state that, while downplaying the severity of the coronavirus, China increased imports and decreased exports of medical supplies. 
 
Meanwhile, an international team of WHO-led scientists arrived in Wuhan last week to research the animal origins of the pandemic after months of political wrangling to secure China’s approval for the probe.

(With inputs from agencies)

China’s silence in the earliest days of the coronavirus crisis had made it worse for the whole world. And still, China is making it harder for the world to solve the mystery around the origins of the Wuhan virus.

China’s silence in the earliest days of the coronavirus crisis had made it worse for the whole world. And still, China is making it harder for the world to solve the mystery around the origins of the Wuhan virus. Also read | Now, China makes absurd claims on coronavirus origin According to news reports, Audio recordings of internal WHO meetings show that even while the WHO praised China's response in public, officials were complaining privately over not getting the information they needed to fight the spread of the deadly virus. The recordings obtained suggest that the WHO officials were lauding China in public because they wanted to coax more information out of the government. Xi Jinping Government also held off on releasing the genome of the virus for more than a week after three different government labs had fully decoded the information, slowing recognition that the virus was spreading. "General, 'there's been no evidence of human-to-human transmission' is not good enough," WHO executive director Michael Ryan said in one of the recordings. "We need to see the data, we need to be able to determine for ourselves the geographic distribution, the timeline, the epi curve and all of that." US Department of Homeland Security report dated May 1, 2020, had also stated that Chinese leaders "intentionally concealed the severity" of the pandemic from the world in early January last year. Other reports also state that, while downplaying the severity of the coronavirus, China increased imports and decreased exports of medical supplies. Meanwhile, an international team of WHO-led scientists arrived in Wuhan last week to research the animal origins of the pandemic after months of political wrangling to secure China’s approval for the probe. (With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) has doubled down the cause for more equal distribution of COVID-19 vaccine. WHO's chief said that the least developed countries have to watch and wait while the richer countries are far headed with the immunisation programs.

WHO calls for equal distribution of COVID-19 vaccine

Coronavirus wrecks havoc around the world, many things are still continued to be pointed at the World Health Organisation (WHO) along with the Chinese authorities, for failing to act promptly during the initial days of the outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

China & WHO, both unsuccessful in taking prompt action against COVID-19 pandemic

The experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have claimed it is safe to administer the second jab of Moderna's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a> after six weeks.

Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, similar to the Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine, also requires a booster after three to four weeks of the first jab. However, some countries, such as France, are considering increasing the gap between the two doses as they face an irregular and limited supply of vaccine doses.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-angela-merkel-urges-fair-distribution-of-coronavirus-vaccine-359494" hreflang="en">German chancellor Angela Merkel urges 'fair' distribution of coronavirus vaccine</a>

While France's health advisory body suggested doubling the gap between the two doses from three weeks to six weeks.

The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) believes increasing this gap will allow the country to vaccinate at least 700,000 more people than originally planned.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-chief-says-companies-must-deliver-coronavirus-vaccines-germany-agrees-359459" hreflang="en">EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees</a>

"The growing number of infections and the worrying arrival of new variants call for an acceleration of the vaccination campaign in order to prevent the epidemic from spiking in coming weeks," the advisory body said in a statement.

However, the WHO has suggested against it and has urged countries to respect the tested intervals between the two doses, i.e. 21 days for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 28 days for Moderna.

Meanwhile, the UN health agency is hoping to approve the Moderna vaccine as soon as possible. "We're working with Moderna to go as quickly as possible," WHO's vaccines chief Kate O'Brien told the online briefing.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-could-last-4-to-5-years-singapore-minister-359440" hreflang="en">Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister</a>

As of now, it has only approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, although experts believe the two vaccines are very similar except for the storage requirements — Pfizer-BioNTech jab is stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit) and Moderna doses can be stored at -20 C.&nbsp;

The advisory body has also urged countries to keep the healthcare workers and vulnerable people in priority for vaccination and has insisted that international travellers should not be kept in the priority list for the vaccine, at least for the time being.

"In the current period of very limited vaccine supply, preferential vaccination of international travellers would counter the principle of equity," SAGE said. "Because of this, and the lack of evidence that vaccination reduces the risk of transmission, SAGE currently does not recommend Covid-19 vaccination of travellers."

The experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have claimed it is safe to administer the second jab of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine after six weeks. Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, similar to the Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine, also requires a booster after three to four weeks of the first jab.

The experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) have claimed it is safe to administer the second jab of Moderna's coronavirus vaccine after six weeks. Moderna's coronavirus vaccine, similar to the Pfizer-BioNtech's vaccine, also requires a booster after three to four weeks of the first jab. However, some countries, such as France, are considering increasing the gap between the two doses as they face an irregular and limited supply of vaccine doses. Also read| German chancellor Angela Merkel urges 'fair' distribution of coronavirus vaccine While France's health advisory body suggested doubling the gap between the two doses from three weeks to six weeks. The Haute Autorite de Sante (HAS) believes increasing this gap will allow the country to vaccinate at least 700,000 more people than originally planned. Also read| EU chief says companies 'must deliver' coronavirus vaccines; Germany agrees "The growing number of infections and the worrying arrival of new variants call for an acceleration of the vaccination campaign in order to prevent the epidemic from spiking in coming weeks," the advisory body said in a statement. However, the WHO has suggested against it and has urged countries to respect the tested intervals between the two doses, i.e. 21 days for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 28 days for Moderna. Meanwhile, the UN health agency is hoping to approve the Moderna vaccine as soon as possible. "We're working with Moderna to go as quickly as possible," WHO's vaccines chief Kate O'Brien told the online briefing. Also read| Covid pandemic could last 4 to 5 years: Singapore minister As of now, it has only approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, although experts believe the two vaccines are very similar except for the storage requirements — Pfizer-BioNTech jab is stored at -70 degrees Celsius (-94 degrees Fahrenheit) and Moderna doses can be stored at -20 C. The advisory body has also urged countries to keep the healthcare workers and vulnerable people in priority for vaccination and has insisted that international travellers should not be kept in the priority list for the vaccine, at least for the time being. "In the current period of very limited vaccine supply, preferential vaccination of international travellers would counter the principle of equity," SAGE said. "Because of this, and the lack of evidence that vaccination reduces the risk of transmission, SAGE currently does not recommend Covid-19 vaccination of travellers."

Moderna vaccine's second dose should be administered within 6 weeks: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said that it had reached an agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech for 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, adding that the WHO intends to deliver vaccines to low and middle-income countries by next month, as part of its COVAX programme.

COVAX is a vaccine alliance led by the WHO and the GAVI. As part of this, deals for hundreds of millions of doses have been signed-in order to inoculate people in low-income countries. Even then, vaccinations are yet to begin.&nbsp;

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So far, Pfizer's is the only vaccine to have received WHO's emergency approval. 
 
"In this world, we are as protected as our neighbour," said Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla said, as reported by Reuters.

Bourla claimed that 40 million doses constitute a fraction of the company's total production estimate of 2 billion, which would be sold on a non-profit base.&nbsp;

This is an initial agreement, which more doses set to be procured through the programme.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-says-pfizers-vaccine-safe-to-use-as-concerns-rise-post-norway-deaths-358575" hreflang="en">WHO says Pfizer's vaccine safe to use as concerns rise post-Norway deaths</a>

WHO had recently criticised countries for practising vaccine inequity as rich countries rush to inoculate millions across the world.

WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that as part of the new agreement, vaccinations should begin as early as February for healthcare workers. Even then, details of supply arrangements have not been revealed.

Norway recently donated a few of its Pfizer shots, and WHO's Director-General has urged other countries to follow suit.

"The commitment of the (United States) to join COVAX, together with this new agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech, mean that we are closer to fulfilling the promise of COVAX," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pfizer-biontechs-vaccine-raised-hopes-but-supply-efficacy-concerns-are-hurting-358680" hreflang="en">Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine raised hopes, but supply, efficacy concerns are hurting</a>

US President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci on Thursday said that the US would join in the programme. His predecessor, Donald Trump had stopped funding WHO, and also announced a withdrawal process.

In the first quarter of 2021, the WHO announced plans to deliver 135 million vaccines. Even then, no breakdown of the supply was given.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said that it had reached an agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech for 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, adding that the WHO intends to deliver vaccines to low and middle-income countries by next month, as part of its COVAX programme.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday said that it had reached an agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech for 40 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, adding that the WHO intends to deliver vaccines to low and middle-income countries by next month, as part of its COVAX programme. COVAX is a vaccine alliance led by the WHO and the GAVI. As part of this, deals for hundreds of millions of doses have been signed-in order to inoculate people in low-income countries. Even then, vaccinations are yet to begin. So far, Pfizer's is the only vaccine to have received WHO's emergency approval. "In this world, we are as protected as our neighbour," said Pfizer's CEO Albert Bourla said, as reported by Reuters. Bourla claimed that 40 million doses constitute a fraction of the company's total production estimate of 2 billion, which would be sold on a non-profit base. This is an initial agreement, which more doses set to be procured through the programme. Also read: WHO says Pfizer's vaccine safe to use as concerns rise post-Norway deaths WHO had recently criticised countries for practising vaccine inequity as rich countries rush to inoculate millions across the world. WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that as part of the new agreement, vaccinations should begin as early as February for healthcare workers. Even then, details of supply arrangements have not been revealed. Norway recently donated a few of its Pfizer shots, and WHO's Director-General has urged other countries to follow suit. "The commitment of the (United States) to join COVAX, together with this new agreement with Pfizer/BioNTech, mean that we are closer to fulfilling the promise of COVAX," he said. Also read: Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine raised hopes, but supply, efficacy concerns are hurting US President Joe Biden's chief medical adviser Anthony Fauci on Thursday said that the US would join in the programme. His predecessor, Donald Trump had stopped funding WHO, and also announced a withdrawal process. In the first quarter of 2021, the WHO announced plans to deliver 135 million vaccines. Even then, no breakdown of the supply was given.

Low-income countries could start vaccinating by Feb under Pfizer deal: WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that there is no evidence to substantiate that Pfizer-BioNTech's <a href="wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>has contributed to the deaths of the elderly and called for the use of the jab.&nbsp;

The deaths after receiving the vaccine "are in line with the expected, all-cause mortality rates and causes of death in the sub-population of frail, elderly individuals, and the available information does not confirm a contributory role for the vaccine in the reported fatal events," the statement by the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety said on Friday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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It also said that the risk-benefit balance of the Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine "remains favourable in the elderly".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-doctor-steals-vial-of-coronavirus-vaccine-may-face-jail-time-358464">Texas doctor steals vial of coronavirus vaccine; may face jail time</a>

The statement comes at a time after 33 elderly died in Norway after receiving the first shot of the vaccine.

On Monday, the Norwegian government had said that there is no relation between those who receive Covid-19 vaccine and the deaths, adding that "they are people of advanced age, are frail and have serious illnesses".&nbsp;

Norway has also urged doctors to decide whether patients who are frail or terminally ill should receive the jab or not as is done in some other nations.&nbsp;

In a bid to curb the panic, Norwegian Medicines Agency on Monday said that contracting Covid-19 is more dangerous than getting vaccinated.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that there is no evidence to substantiate that Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has contributed to the deaths of the elderly and called for the use of the jab.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said that there is no evidence to substantiate that Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine has contributed to the deaths of the elderly and called for the use of the jab. The deaths after receiving the vaccine "are in line with the expected, all-cause mortality rates and causes of death in the sub-population of frail, elderly individuals, and the available information does not confirm a contributory role for the vaccine in the reported fatal events," the statement by the WHO Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety said on Friday. Watch | It also said that the risk-benefit balance of the Pfizer-BioNTech's vaccine "remains favourable in the elderly". Also read | Texas doctor steals vial of coronavirus vaccine; may face jail time The statement comes at a time after 33 elderly died in Norway after receiving the first shot of the vaccine. On Monday, the Norwegian government had said that there is no relation between those who receive Covid-19 vaccine and the deaths, adding that "they are people of advanced age, are frail and have serious illnesses". Norway has also urged doctors to decide whether patients who are frail or terminally ill should receive the jab or not as is done in some other nations. In a bid to curb the panic, Norwegian Medicines Agency on Monday said that contracting Covid-19 is more dangerous than getting vaccinated.

WHO says Pfizer's vaccine safe to use as concerns rise post-Norway deaths

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic. WHO's Assistant Director-General Mariangela Simao said that the agency was busy ensuring that everyone around the globe had an access to coronavirus vaccine.

"No one needs to panic, because you're going to get a vaccine," said Simao, the assistant DG for access to medicines, vaccines and pharmaceuticals.

"We've been working very hard to ensure that all countries, all populations, do have the opportunity to access these vaccines," she told a WHO social media live event.

Simao said that around 50 countries have started vaccination campaigns, with more than 40 of them being high-income states.

WHO-led Covax facility had struck agreements with five vaccine manufacturers for two billion vaccine doses. Covax is a globally pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort. It aims to secure vaccines for 20 per cent of the population around the world.

"We are expecting to have the first doses reaching countries end of February," Simao said.

Nasal vaccine?

According to the WHO's overview of candidate vaccines, 64 have been tested on humans, 22 of which have reached final-stage mass testing.

A further 173 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human trials.

WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan welcomed the "really incredible" range, saying it was important to have a variety of vaccines with different properties.

So far, the WHO has only approved emergency use validation for the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which requires ultra-cold storage.

"That's a problem in many countries," said Swaminathan.

She said there were vaccines in development that only require a single injection; a nasally-inhaled vaccine; and versions which will be much more affordable than those already in use.

&nbsp;"There may be many vaccines that have advantages over the first generation," Swaminathan said.

"What we want to see is prevention of disease. Prevention of infection is another question. But that is secondary," she added.

(With AFP inputs)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday sought to assure everyone by saying that everyone who wants a COVID vaccine will get one. It advised against panic. WHO's Assistant Director-General Mariangela Simao said that the agency was busy ensuring that everyone around the globe had an access to coronavirus vaccine. "No one needs to panic, because you're going to get a vaccine," said Simao, the assistant DG for access to medicines, vaccines and pharmaceuticals. "We've been working very hard to ensure that all countries, all populations, do have the opportunity to access these vaccines," she told a WHO social media live event. Simao said that around 50 countries have started vaccination campaigns, with more than 40 of them being high-income states. WHO-led Covax facility had struck agreements with five vaccine manufacturers for two billion vaccine doses. Covax is a globally pooled vaccine procurement and distribution effort. It aims to secure vaccines for 20 per cent of the population around the world. "We are expecting to have the first doses reaching countries end of February," Simao said. Nasal vaccine? According to the WHO's overview of candidate vaccines, 64 have been tested on humans, 22 of which have reached final-stage mass testing. A further 173 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human trials. WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan welcomed the "really incredible" range, saying it was important to have a variety of vaccines with different properties. So far, the WHO has only approved emergency use validation for the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which requires ultra-cold storage. "That's a problem in many countries," said Swaminathan. She said there were vaccines in development that only require a single injection; a nasally-inhaled vaccine; and versions which will be much more affordable than those already in use. "There may be many vaccines that have advantages over the first generation," Swaminathan said. "What we want to see is prevention of disease. Prevention of infection is another question. But that is secondary," she added. (With AFP inputs)

WHO: Do not panic, you will get COVID vaccine

We say 'UK Strain', 'Brazil Variant', 'South Africa Variant' - why then do we not say 'Wuhan Virus'? Most pandemics and epidemics have been named after its epicentre. Why should the Wuhan Virus be an exception? WION's Palki Sharma makes a case.

Gravitas: How the W.H.O. is shielding China

The United States wants WHO investigators to look at the records of the Wuhan Lab. It believes that several researchers inside the lab became sick in the autumn of 2019 - before the 1st case of the Wuhan virus. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Why is China blocking access to the Wuhan Lab?

A co-chair of independent review panel investigating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic said that the virus could cause much-needed reform at the World Health Organization (WHO), akin to what happened in UN’s nuclear agency in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

The panel also said the WHO is under-powered, under-funded, and requires reforms to allow it to respond quickly to future outbreaks.

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"We are not here to assign blame, but to make concrete recommendations to help the world respond faster and better in future," the panel's co-chair, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said during a media briefing on Tuesday.

The report put out by the panel on Monday claimed that Chinese authorities should have enforced countermeasures in January to control the initial outbreak. In addition, it criticised WHO for not declaring an international emergency until January 30.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-china-could-have-acted-quicker-outbreak-largely-hidden-covid-19-probe-team-357543" hreflang="en">WHO, China could have acted quicker; outbreak 'largely hidden': Covid-19 probe team</a>

"While member states turn to the WHO for leadership, they have kept it under-powered and under-resourced to do the job expected of it," Sirleaf added. Sirleaf also claimed that the WHO “is reformable”.

Governments around the world - from the US, Australia, and EU have called for changes in the WHO for its response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last year, the US stopped its funding for the WHO, with many accusing the agency o siding with China during the onset of the pandemic. The WHO has denied these charges.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/who-chief-tedros-slams-rich-countries-and-vaccine-producers-for-ignoring-poor-nations-357505" hreflang="en">WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations</a>

When the report was being discussed, the organisation’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the WHO Executive Board that it was “committed to accountability”, and was open to change.

"Is that this (Chernobyl) moment for WHO and the global health system?," former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said, adding that WHO member states "are going to have to face up to this".

A co-chair of independent review panel investigating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic said that the virus could cause much-needed reform at the World Health Organization (WHO), akin to what happened in UN’s nuclear agency in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

A co-chair of independent review panel investigating the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic said that the virus could cause much-needed reform at the World Health Organization (WHO), akin to what happened in UN’s nuclear agency in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster. The panel also said the WHO is under-powered, under-funded, and requires reforms to allow it to respond quickly to future outbreaks. "We are not here to assign blame, but to make concrete recommendations to help the world respond faster and better in future," the panel's co-chair, former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, said during a media briefing on Tuesday. The report put out by the panel on Monday claimed that Chinese authorities should have enforced countermeasures in January to control the initial outbreak. In addition, it criticised WHO for not declaring an international emergency until January 30. Also read: WHO, China could have acted quicker; outbreak 'largely hidden': Covid-19 probe team "While member states turn to the WHO for leadership, they have kept it under-powered and under-resourced to do the job expected of it," Sirleaf added. Sirleaf also claimed that the WHO “is reformable”. Governments around the world - from the US, Australia, and EU have called for changes in the WHO for its response to the coronavirus pandemic. Last year, the US stopped its funding for the WHO, with many accusing the agency o siding with China during the onset of the pandemic. The WHO has denied these charges. Also read: WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations When the report was being discussed, the organisation’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told the WHO Executive Board that it was “committed to accountability”, and was open to change. "Is that this (Chernobyl) moment for WHO and the global health system?," former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said, adding that WHO member states "are going to have to face up to this".

COVID-19 pandemic could be WHO's Chernobyl moment, says review panel

Covid-19 was first detected in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019, before seeping beyond China's borders to wreak global havoc.

WHO, China could have acted more quickly: Pandemic response probe

Mr. Tedros Adhanom emphasised that the world is on the brink of a 'catastrophic moral failure' and warned that the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world’s poorest countries as only 25% of vaccine dosage reached out to the vulnerable groups.

'World on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure', says WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom | COVID-19

The pandemic response probe said on Monday that WHO, China could have acted quicker&nbsp;to contain the spread of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">novel coronavirus</a>.&nbsp;

The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) in its second report also called the outbreak "largely hidden", adding that this caused the global spread.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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The evaluation of the "chronology of the early phase of the outbreak suggests that there was potential for early signs to have been acted on more rapidly", the report said.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-tedros-slams-rich-countries-and-vaccine-producers-for-ignoring-poor-nations-357505">WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations</a>

The novel coronavirus was first found in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 before spreading across the world to wreak havoc, killing over 2 million people and damaging economies.&nbsp;

The independent panel also said that it was "clear" that "public health measures could have been applied more forcefully by local and national health authorities in China in January."

It also slammed the global health agency for its slow response, underscoring that WHO had not held its emergency committee until January 22, 2020 and failed to issue the highest alert level by not calling the outbreak an emergency at the right time.&nbsp;

"It is not clear why the committee did not meet until the third week of January, nor is it clear why it was unable to agree on the (PHEIC) declaration... when it was first convened," it said.&nbsp;

The WHO has faced severe criticism since the beginning of the pandemic, particularly from the US President Donald Trump who describes the organisation as a "puppet of China".&nbsp;

The pandemic response probe said on Monday that WHO, China could have acted quicker to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) in its second report also called the outbreak "largely hidden", adding that this caused the global spread.

The pandemic response probe said on Monday that WHO, China could have acted quicker to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) in its second report also called the outbreak "largely hidden", adding that this caused the global spread. Watch | The evaluation of the "chronology of the early phase of the outbreak suggests that there was potential for early signs to have been acted on more rapidly", the report said. Also read | WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations The novel coronavirus was first found in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 before spreading across the world to wreak havoc, killing over 2 million people and damaging economies. The independent panel also said that it was "clear" that "public health measures could have been applied more forcefully by local and national health authorities in China in January." It also slammed the global health agency for its slow response, underscoring that WHO had not held its emergency committee until January 22, 2020 and failed to issue the highest alert level by not calling the outbreak an emergency at the right time. "It is not clear why the committee did not meet until the third week of January, nor is it clear why it was unable to agree on the (PHEIC) declaration... when it was first convened," it said. The WHO has faced severe criticism since the beginning of the pandemic, particularly from the US President Donald Trump who describes the organisation as a "puppet of China".

WHO, China could have acted quicker; outbreak 'largely hidden': Covid-19 probe team

Several countries have approved coronavirus vaccines produced in the West and have also started mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccination</a> drives for their citizens. While it has been a great step to offer vaccines to citizens, the World Health Organization has labelled this as the "brink of a catastrophic moral failure".

Denouncing the 'me-first' attitude of majority countries, the World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called out the wealthy nations for acting selfishly and not helping out the poorer countries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-chinese-researchers-had-coronavirus-symptoms-before-initial-reported-cases-357495" hreflang="en">US claims Chinese researchers had coronavirus symptoms before reported cases</a>

"I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure — and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world's poorest countries," Tedros said.

Quoting official figures, he explained that while 39 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in nearly 49 'wealthy' countries, only 25 doses have been provided to the 'lower-income' countries.

"Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million; not 25,000; just 25," he exclaimed.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/california-pauses-use-of-moderna-vaccine-batch-over-allergic-reactions-357470" hreflang="en">California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions</a>

He also accused some countries of committing reassuring words on equitable access and prioritising their own selfish motives by securing deals for themselves in a hurry with the aim of skipping waiting time, leading to a surge in prices.

Once again using figures as evidence, he said that 44 such deals had already been stuck in the pandemic year of 2020 and at least 12 new deals have been finalised since the New Year.

Tedros also accused the pharmaceutical companies of running behind the wealthy countries for approval, resulting in monetary benefit, rather than submitting data to the WHO to procure approval for global use of their vaccines.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europe-vaccine-rollout-shifts-up-a-gear-as-supply-worries-linger-357379" hreflang="en">Europe vaccine rollout shifts up a gear as supply worries linger</a>

"The situation is compounded by the fact that most manufacturers have prioritised regulatory approval in rich countries where the profits are highest, rather than submitting full dossiers to WHO," Tedros slammed the companies.

"Not only does this me-first approach leave the world's poorest and most vulnerable people at risk, it's also self defeating," Tedros said in his opening speech of a WHO executive board meeting. "Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, prolong our pain, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering." 
&nbsp;

Several countries have approved coronavirus vaccines produced in the West and have also started mass coronavirus vaccination drives for their citizens. While it has been a great step to offer vaccines to citizens, the World Health Organization has labelled this as the "brink of a catastrophic moral failure".

Several countries have approved coronavirus vaccines produced in the West and have also started mass coronavirus vaccination drives for their citizens. While it has been a great step to offer vaccines to citizens, the World Health Organization has labelled this as the "brink of a catastrophic moral failure". Denouncing the 'me-first' attitude of majority countries, the World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called out the wealthy nations for acting selfishly and not helping out the poorer countries. Also read| US claims Chinese researchers had coronavirus symptoms before reported cases "I need to be blunt. The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure — and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world's poorest countries," Tedros said. Quoting official figures, he explained that while 39 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in nearly 49 'wealthy' countries, only 25 doses have been provided to the 'lower-income' countries. "Just 25 doses have been given in one lowest-income country. Not 25 million; not 25,000; just 25," he exclaimed. Also read| California pauses use of Moderna vaccine batch over allergic reactions He also accused some countries of committing reassuring words on equitable access and prioritising their own selfish motives by securing deals for themselves in a hurry with the aim of skipping waiting time, leading to a surge in prices. Once again using figures as evidence, he said that 44 such deals had already been stuck in the pandemic year of 2020 and at least 12 new deals have been finalised since the New Year. Tedros also accused the pharmaceutical companies of running behind the wealthy countries for approval, resulting in monetary benefit, rather than submitting data to the WHO to procure approval for global use of their vaccines. Also read| Europe vaccine rollout shifts up a gear as supply worries linger "The situation is compounded by the fact that most manufacturers have prioritised regulatory approval in rich countries where the profits are highest, rather than submitting full dossiers to WHO," Tedros slammed the companies. "Not only does this me-first approach leave the world's poorest and most vulnerable people at risk, it's also self defeating," Tedros said in his opening speech of a WHO executive board meeting. "Ultimately, these actions will only prolong the pandemic, prolong our pain, the restrictions needed to contain it, and human and economic suffering."

WHO chief Tedros slams 'rich' countries and vaccine producers for ignoring 'poor' nations

12 months after the Wuhan Virus outbreak, WHO has launched a 'virtual' probe into its origins. W.H.O delegation in Wuhan is conducting virtual meetings as part of the probe.

Gravitas: A cruel joke in Wuhan virus fight

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