WHO is waiting for China to approve the international team that will investigate the origins of the Wuhan Virus. According to a report, the WHO cannot send the investigators without Beijing's permission. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how China is dictating terms for the probe.

Gravitas: WHO seeks 'approval' for Wuhan Virus Probe team from China

Amid growing concern over access to Covid-19 medical products, Moderna has decided not to enforce its patent rights related to its experimental vaccine. Watch report.

Moderna vows not to enforce Covid-19 patents: WHO welcomes move

A joint estimate has revealed that almost 2 million babies are stillborn every year. This comes to 1 stillborn baby every 16 seconds. The estimate has been made by Unicef, World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank Group and population division of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. And now, there are fears that effects of coronavirus pandemic can worsen the situation.

“Losing a child at birth or during pregnancy is a devastating tragedy for a family, one that is often endured quietly, yet all too frequently, around the world,” Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director was quoted in a WHO release as saying.

“Every 16 seconds, a mother somewhere will suffer the unspeakable tragedy of stillbirth. Beyond the loss of life, the psychological and financial costs for women, families and societies are severe and long-lasting. For many of these mothers, it simply didn’t have to be this way. A majority of stillbirths could have been prevented with high-quality monitoring, proper antenatal care and a skilled birth attendant,” she adds.

According to a new report 'A Neglected Tragedy: The Global Burden of Stillbirths', 3 out of 4 stillbirths occurred in Africa or Southern Asia in 2019.

Coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on health services across the globe. Large resources in the healthcare sector have been re-allotted to tackle coronavirus. The report says that this may result in additional 200,000 stillbirths in 12-month&nbsp;period. It is feared that these stillbirths would occur in 117 low and middle-income countries.

Women in low and middle-income countries were more susceptible as there was higher likelihood of them not getting good quality healthcare facilities at the time of the delivery. 
&nbsp;

A joint estimate has revealed that almost 2 million babies are stillborn every year. This comes to 1 stillborn baby every 16 seconds. The estimate has been made by Unicef, World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank Group and population division of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.

A joint estimate has revealed that almost 2 million babies are stillborn every year. This comes to 1 stillborn baby every 16 seconds. The estimate has been made by Unicef, World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank Group and population division of United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. And now, there are fears that effects of coronavirus pandemic can worsen the situation. “Losing a child at birth or during pregnancy is a devastating tragedy for a family, one that is often endured quietly, yet all too frequently, around the world,” Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director was quoted in a WHO release as saying. “Every 16 seconds, a mother somewhere will suffer the unspeakable tragedy of stillbirth. Beyond the loss of life, the psychological and financial costs for women, families and societies are severe and long-lasting. For many of these mothers, it simply didn’t have to be this way. A majority of stillbirths could have been prevented with high-quality monitoring, proper antenatal care and a skilled birth attendant,” she adds. According to a new report 'A Neglected Tragedy: The Global Burden of Stillbirths', 3 out of 4 stillbirths occurred in Africa or Southern Asia in 2019. Coronavirus pandemic has taken a huge toll on health services across the globe. Large resources in the healthcare sector have been re-allotted to tackle coronavirus. The report says that this may result in additional 200,000 stillbirths in 12-month period. It is feared that these stillbirths would occur in 117 low and middle-income countries. Women in low and middle-income countries were more susceptible as there was higher likelihood of them not getting good quality healthcare facilities at the time of the delivery.

One stillbirth every 16 seconds and this could get worse due to COVID-19 pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given Beijing a list of global experts to be part of the international investigation team to be sent to China to probe the origin of the coronavirus and is awaiting its approval, according to a media report on Thursday.

In May, the annual meeting of World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the Geneva-based WHO currently headed by India, passed a unanimous resolution to probe the origin of the virus. China also backed the resolution.

In August, a two-member team from the WHO which visited China completed the groundwork for the probe into the animal source and reservoirs of the COVID-19 which first emerged in Wuhan in December last year and later became a global pandemic, creating the worst health crisis across the world.

On Monday, WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan told a special meeting of the organisation's executive board that it has selected expert candidates from around the world for the mission and it was now up to Beijing to say who would be on the international team and when they would enter China, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.

''A list of candidates has been submitted to the Chinese authorities for their consideration and for next steps in order to deploy that team''&nbsp;Ryan told the advisory group of member state representatives, without saying when the list was sent.

At Monday's meeting, representatives from the United States, the European Union, and Australia called on the WHO to send the team and share more details about the mission, the report said.

''Transparency around this work is critical, we are keen to see further information on the membership of the international team and its programme of work,''&nbsp;Australian associate health secretary and WHO executive board member Caroline Edwards said.

However, WHO could not send a team into a member state without its permission, the Post report.

''If, therefore, China would condition entry of an expert group on vetting the expert list, then from an international legal perspective, the WHO's hands are bound,''&nbsp;Ayelet Berman, senior research fellow at the Centre for International Law at the National University Singapore told the Post.

WHO has faced stringent criticism, especially from US President Donald Trump, who accused it of being a puppet of China for not acting in time to halt the spread of the COVID-19 when it broke out in Wuhan.

In his address to the UN General Assembly on September 23, Trump also attacked WHO saying that it is ?virtually controlled by China?. 
Besides halting funding for WHO, the Trump administration formally notified the UN of its decision to withdraw the US from the WHO, breaking off ties with the global health body amidst the raging coronavirus pandemic.

The US has also accused the WHO of siding with China on the outbreak of the virus, alleging the health body misled the world resulting in over a million deaths.

Besides denying Trump's allegations that the virus has escaped from a bio-lab in Wuhan, China also refuted allegations that it emanated from a wet market in the city from bats or pangolins before infecting humans.

For its part, China sought to shift the blame saying that the virus may have originated elsewhere in the world and surfaced in Wuhan. 
Analysts said WHO mission's legitimacy would depend on who was involved and how it was run, particularly after criticism that it had pandered to China during the early weeks of the outbreak.

The WHO's lack of authority to force through its list of experts as final means ''deference to Chinese authorities is hard-wired into this mission,''&nbsp;according to David Fidler, an adjunct senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations in the US.

''Given the geopolitics of the pandemic, this back and forth between the WHO and China will refuel criticism of both the WHO and China and darken the cloud already hanging over the organisation and its relationship with the Chinese government,''&nbsp;he told the Post.

Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs and Centre for European Studies at Renmin University, was quoted by the Post as saying that the expert team should be decided by the WHO based on the professional background&nbsp;to depoliticise&nbsp;the investigation.

According to the Johns Hopkins University data, there are over 36 million COVID-19 cases and over 1 million deaths due to the disease globally.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given Beijing a list of global experts to be part of the international investigation team to be sent to China to probe the origin of the coronavirus and is awaiting its approval, according to a media report on Thursday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given Beijing a list of global experts to be part of the international investigation team to be sent to China to probe the origin of the coronavirus and is awaiting its approval, according to a media report on Thursday. In May, the annual meeting of World Health Assembly (WHA), the decision-making body of the Geneva-based WHO currently headed by India, passed a unanimous resolution to probe the origin of the virus. China also backed the resolution. In August, a two-member team from the WHO which visited China completed the groundwork for the probe into the animal source and reservoirs of the COVID-19 which first emerged in Wuhan in December last year and later became a global pandemic, creating the worst health crisis across the world. On Monday, WHO Health Emergencies Programme Executive Director Mike Ryan told a special meeting of the organisation's executive board that it has selected expert candidates from around the world for the mission and it was now up to Beijing to say who would be on the international team and when they would enter China, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. ''A list of candidates has been submitted to the Chinese authorities for their consideration and for next steps in order to deploy that team'' Ryan told the advisory group of member state representatives, without saying when the list was sent. At Monday's meeting, representatives from the United States, the European Union, and Australia called on the WHO to send the team and share more details about the mission, the report said. ''Transparency around this work is critical, we are keen to see further information on the membership of the international team and its programme of work,'' Australian associate health secretary and WHO executive board member Caroline Edwards said. However, WHO could not send a team into a member state without its permission, the Post report. ''If, therefore, China would condition entry of an expert group on vetting the expert list, then from an international legal perspective, the WHO's hands are bound,'' Ayelet Berman, senior research fellow at the Centre for International Law at the National University Singapore told the Post. WHO has faced stringent criticism, especially from US President Donald Trump, who accused it of being a puppet of China for not acting in time to halt the spread of the COVID-19 when it broke out in Wuhan. In his address to the UN General Assembly on September 23, Trump also attacked WHO saying that it is ?virtually controlled by China?. Besides halting funding for WHO, the Trump administration formally notified the UN of its decision to withdraw the US from the WHO, breaking off ties with the global health body amidst the raging coronavirus pandemic. The US has also accused the WHO of siding with China on the outbreak of the virus, alleging the health body misled the world resulting in over a million deaths. Besides denying Trump's allegations that the virus has escaped from a bio-lab in Wuhan, China also refuted allegations that it emanated from a wet market in the city from bats or pangolins before infecting humans. For its part, China sought to shift the blame saying that the virus may have originated elsewhere in the world and surfaced in Wuhan. Analysts said WHO mission's legitimacy would depend on who was involved and how it was run, particularly after criticism that it had pandered to China during the early weeks of the outbreak. The WHO's lack of authority to force through its list of experts as final means ''deference to Chinese authorities is hard-wired into this mission,'' according to David Fidler, an adjunct senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign Relations in the US. ''Given the geopolitics of the pandemic, this back and forth between the WHO and China will refuel criticism of both the WHO and China and darken the cloud already hanging over the organisation and its relationship with the Chinese government,'' he told the Post. Wang Yiwei, director of the Institute of International Affairs and Centre for European Studies at Renmin University, was quoted by the Post as saying that the expert team should be decided by the WHO based on the professional background to depoliticise the investigation. According to the Johns Hopkins University data, there are over 36 million COVID-19 cases and over 1 million deaths due to the disease globally.

WHO awaits China's nod on list of experts to probe origin of coronavirus

World Health Organizations emergencies director Michael Ryan said today that "about 10 per cent of the global population may have been infected by coronavirus".

WHO: Three countries account for half of COVID-19 cases

A vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, without elaborating.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the end of a two-day meeting of its Executive Board on the pandemic, said: “We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There is hope.”

Nine experimental vaccines are in the pipeline of the WHO-led COVAX global vaccine facility that aims to distribute 2 billion doses by the end of 2021.

A vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, without elaborating. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the end of a two-day meeting of its Executive Board on the pandemic, said: “We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine.

A vaccine against COVID-19 may be ready by year-end, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, without elaborating. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, addressing the end of a two-day meeting of its Executive Board on the pandemic, said: “We will need vaccines and there is hope that by the end of this year we may have a vaccine. There is hope.” Nine experimental vaccines are in the pipeline of the WHO-led COVAX global vaccine facility that aims to distribute 2 billion doses by the end of 2021.

COVID-19 vaccine may be ready by year-end: WHO's Tedros

World Health Organization is coming up as a possible contender for the Nobel peace prize 2020. Watch report.

Nobel peace prize 2020: Who'll be the Peace Laureate this year?

The actual number of deaths due to COVID-19 is "certainly higher" than 1 million, Director-General of World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500000-sharks-could-be-killed-to-fast-track-a-covid-19-vaccine-find-out-why-330917">Also read | At least 500,000 sharks could be killed to fast-track a COVID-19 vaccine. Find out why</a> 
 
"One million people are confirmed to have lost their lives to this new virus. The real number is certainly higher. Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals all over the world," said Tedros addressing a high-level UNGA event. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/superbug-is-deadlier-than-covid-19-situation-worse-in-pacific-326824">Also read | Superbug is deadlier than COVID-19; situation worse in Pacific</a>

The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed 1 million on Tuesday, nine months into a crisis that has devastated the global economy, tested world leaders’ resolve, pitted science against politics and forced multitudes to change the way they live, learn and work.

The bleak milestone, recorded by Johns Hopkins University, is greater than the population of Jerusalem or Austin, Texas. It is 2 1/2 times the sea of humanity that was at Woodstock in 1969. It is more than four times the number killed in the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the countries to work together to expand the access to tests and treatments and extend support to the vaccine for "global public good". "It is in every country's national and economic self-interest to work together to massively expand access to tests and treatments and to support a vaccine as a global public good, a people's vaccine available and affordable for everyone everywhere. The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator with its COVAX facility is the vehicle to get us there," he said.

Guterres emphasised that the ACT Accelerator was the only safe way to reopen the world economy and guarantee that the most successful vaccine reaches all. "The current financing gap for ACT Accelerator stands at USD 35 billion. That's less than 1 percent of what G20 governments have already committed to domestic stimulus packages. To put it another way, it's roughly equivalent to what the world spends on cigarettes every two weeks. Fully financing the ACT Accelerator will help to control the pandemic, restore confidence and stimulate the global recovery," he added.

As per the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University, as many as 33,706,888 people around the world have tested positive for coronavirus and 1,009,064 deaths have been reported so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

The actual number of deaths due to COVID-19 is "certainly higher" than 1 million, Director-General of World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said.

The actual number of deaths due to COVID-19 is "certainly higher" than 1 million, Director-General of World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said. Also read | At least 500,000 sharks could be killed to fast-track a COVID-19 vaccine. Find out why "One million people are confirmed to have lost their lives to this new virus. The real number is certainly higher. Thousands more are fighting for their lives in hospitals all over the world," said Tedros addressing a high-level UNGA event. Also read | Superbug is deadlier than COVID-19; situation worse in Pacific The worldwide death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed 1 million on Tuesday, nine months into a crisis that has devastated the global economy, tested world leaders’ resolve, pitted science against politics and forced multitudes to change the way they live, learn and work. The bleak milestone, recorded by Johns Hopkins University, is greater than the population of Jerusalem or Austin, Texas. It is 2 1/2 times the sea of humanity that was at Woodstock in 1969. It is more than four times the number killed in the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the countries to work together to expand the access to tests and treatments and extend support to the vaccine for "global public good". "It is in every country's national and economic self-interest to work together to massively expand access to tests and treatments and to support a vaccine as a global public good, a people's vaccine available and affordable for everyone everywhere. The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator with its COVAX facility is the vehicle to get us there," he said. Guterres emphasised that the ACT Accelerator was the only safe way to reopen the world economy and guarantee that the most successful vaccine reaches all. "The current financing gap for ACT Accelerator stands at USD 35 billion. That's less than 1 percent of what G20 governments have already committed to domestic stimulus packages. To put it another way, it's roughly equivalent to what the world spends on cigarettes every two weeks. Fully financing the ACT Accelerator will help to control the pandemic, restore confidence and stimulate the global recovery," he added. As per the latest update by the Johns Hopkins University, as many as 33,706,888 people around the world have tested positive for coronavirus and 1,009,064 deaths have been reported so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Real coronavirus death toll 'certainly higher' than official 1 million count: WHO

World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a roll out of 120 million rapid-diagnostic tests to help low- and middle-income countries.

WHO to roll out 120 mn rapid-diagnostic tests for low and middle-income countries

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

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

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

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

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor had agreed with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to "make 120 million of these new, highly portable and easy-to-use rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests available over a period of six months".

WHO: Poorer countries to get 120 million rapid coronavirus tests

Some 120 million rapid diagnostic tests for coronavirus will be made available to low- and middle-income countries at a maximum of $5 per unit, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor had agreed with the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation to "make 120 million of these new, highly portable and easy-to-use rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests available over a period of six months".

He told a news conference in Geneva the tests were currently priced at a maximum of $5 each but were expected to become cheaper.

"This will enable the expansion of testing, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that do not have laboratory facilities or enough trained health workers to carry out tests," Tedros said.

"This is a vital addition to the testing capacity and especially important in areas of high transmission."

Some 120 million rapid diagnostic tests for coronavirus will be made available to low- and middle-income countries at a maximum of $5 per unit, the World Health Organization said on Monday.

Some 120 million rapid diagnostic tests for coronavirus will be made available to low- and middle-income countries at a maximum of $5 per unit, the World Health Organization said on Monday. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the manufacturers Abbott and SD Biosensor had agreed with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to "make 120 million of these new, highly portable and easy-to-use rapid COVID-19 diagnostic tests available over a period of six months". He told a news conference in Geneva the tests were currently priced at a maximum of $5 each but were expected to become cheaper. "This will enable the expansion of testing, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that do not have laboratory facilities or enough trained health workers to carry out tests," Tedros said. "This is a vital addition to the testing capacity and especially important in areas of high transmission."

Poorer countries to get 120 million $5 coronavirus tests, WHO says

The World Health Organization has warned of a massive increase in fatalities from the novel coronavirus pandemic, expecting the global death toll to reach 1 million next week.

WHO expects global COVID-19 death toll to top 1 million

Dr Mike Ryan, the WHO's emergencies head, said the figure could be higher without concerted international action.

Two million deaths 'very likely' even with vaccine, WHO warns

According to the WHO, the coronavirus appears to be accelerating worldwide. However, the global body has failed to find the source of the deadly virus that was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan. Watch report.

WHO: World sees a weekly number of COVID-19 cases

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday took down its guidance warning on possible airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus, saying that the draft recommendation was posted in error.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-upgrades-virus-alert-level-pm-johnson-set-to-announce-new-measures-329290">Also Read:&nbsp;UK upgrades virus alert level; PM Johnson set to announce new measures</a>

The now-withdrawn guidance, posted on the agency's website on Friday, recommended that people use air purifiers to reduce airborne germs indoors to avoid the disease from spreading.

"CDC is currently updating its recommendations regarding airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Once this process has been completed, the update language will be posted," the agency said.

The CDC did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment on when the guidance will be updated.

The health agency had said that COVID-19 could spread through airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air and travel beyond six feet.

Presently, the agency's guidance says the virus mainly spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets, which can land in the mouth or nose of people nearby.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump took exception to comments from the CDC director, who said masks might be even more effective than a vaccine for the novel coronavirus that could be broadly rolled out in mid-2021.

That followed a New York Times report that guidance about novel coronavirus testing posted last month on the CDC's website was not written by the agency's scientists and was posted over their objections.

The World Health Organization has not changed its policy on aerosol transmission of the coronavirus, it said on Monday.

The agency still believes the disease is primarily spread through droplets, but that in enclosed crowded spaces with inadequate ventilation, aerosol transmission can occur, said Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO's emergencies program.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday took down its guidance warning on possible airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus, saying that the draft recommendation was posted in error.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday took down its guidance warning on possible airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus, saying that the draft recommendation was posted in error. Also Read: UK upgrades virus alert level; PM Johnson set to announce new measures The now-withdrawn guidance, posted on the agency's website on Friday, recommended that people use air purifiers to reduce airborne germs indoors to avoid the disease from spreading. "CDC is currently updating its recommendations regarding airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Once this process has been completed, the update language will be posted," the agency said. The CDC did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment on when the guidance will be updated. The health agency had said that COVID-19 could spread through airborne particles that can remain suspended in the air and travel beyond six feet. Presently, the agency's guidance says the virus mainly spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets, which can land in the mouth or nose of people nearby. Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump took exception to comments from the CDC director, who said masks might be even more effective than a vaccine for the novel coronavirus that could be broadly rolled out in mid-2021. That followed a New York Times report that guidance about novel coronavirus testing posted last month on the CDC's website was not written by the agency's scientists and was posted over their objections. The World Health Organization has not changed its policy on aerosol transmission of the coronavirus, it said on Monday. The agency still believes the disease is primarily spread through droplets, but that in enclosed crowded spaces with inadequate ventilation, aerosol transmission can occur, said Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO's emergencies program.

US CDC withdraws coronavirus airborne transmission guidance

Watch the exclusive interview with Chinese virologist Dr Li-Meng Yan.

Chinese virologist Li-Meng Yan speaks to WION's Palki Sharma Upadhyay

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the country to have broad the COVID-19 outbreak under control it must have a positivity rate below 5%. But, presently Spain has a positivity rate of 12%.

Spain: More than 650,000 COVID-19 cases so far; death toll crosses 30,000 mark

The World Health Organization endorsed Saturday a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics.

Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas.

It came months after a bid by the president of Madagascar to promote a drink based on artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, was met with widespread scorn.

On Saturday, WHO experts and colleagues from two other organisations "endorsed a protocol for phase III clinical trials of herbal medicine for Covid-19 as well as a charter and terms of reference for the establishment of a data and safety monitoring board for herbal medicine clinical trials," a statement said.

"Phase III clinical trials are pivotal in fully assessing the safety and efficacy of a new medical product," it noted.

"If a traditional medicine product is found to be safe, efficacious and quality-assured, WHO will recommend (it) for a fast-tracked, large-scale local manufacturing," Prosper Tumusiime, a regional WHO director, was quoted as saying.

WHO's partners are the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Union Commission for Social Affairs.

"The onset of Covid-19, like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, has highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated research and development programmes, including on traditional medicines," Tumusiime said.

He did not refer specifically to the Madagascar drink Covid-Organics, also called CVO, that President Andry Rajoelina has pitched as a cure for the virus, however.

It has has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa.

In May, WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti told media that African governments had committed in 2000 to taking "traditional therapies" through the same clinical trials as other medication.

"I can understand the need, the drive to find something that can help," Moeti said. "But we would very much like to encourage this scientific process in which the governments themselves made a commitment."

The World Health Organization endorsed Saturday a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics. Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas.

The World Health Organization endorsed Saturday a protocol for testing African herbal medicines as potential treatments for the coronavirus and other epidemics. Covid-19 has raised the issue of using traditional medicines to battle contemporary diseases, and the endorsement clearly encouraged testing with criteria similar to those used for molecules developed by labs in Asia, Europe or the Americas. It came months after a bid by the president of Madagascar to promote a drink based on artemisia, a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment, was met with widespread scorn. On Saturday, WHO experts and colleagues from two other organisations "endorsed a protocol for phase III clinical trials of herbal medicine for Covid-19 as well as a charter and terms of reference for the establishment of a data and safety monitoring board for herbal medicine clinical trials," a statement said. "Phase III clinical trials are pivotal in fully assessing the safety and efficacy of a new medical product," it noted. "If a traditional medicine product is found to be safe, efficacious and quality-assured, WHO will recommend (it) for a fast-tracked, large-scale local manufacturing," Prosper Tumusiime, a regional WHO director, was quoted as saying. WHO's partners are the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the African Union Commission for Social Affairs. "The onset of Covid-19, like the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, has highlighted the need for strengthened health systems and accelerated research and development programmes, including on traditional medicines," Tumusiime said. He did not refer specifically to the Madagascar drink Covid-Organics, also called CVO, that President Andry Rajoelina has pitched as a cure for the virus, however. It has has been widely distributed in Madagascar and sold to several other countries, mainly in Africa. In May, WHO Africa Director Matshidiso Moeti told media that African governments had committed in 2000 to taking "traditional therapies" through the same clinical trials as other medication. "I can understand the need, the drive to find something that can help," Moeti said. "But we would very much like to encourage this scientific process in which the governments themselves made a commitment."

WHO endorses protocol for coronavirus herbal medicine trials

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that coronavirus cases are surging alarmingly in Europe, as a "very serious situation" unfolds across the continent.

Fineprint: Coronavirus cases rise as European nations reopen

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000.

France is going to roll out new curbs for its main cities, Britain is attempting to limit gatherings of people. Governments across Europe are battling fresh spikes of the disease.

WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week -- a new record.

"Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen.

Spain

Madrid, capital of Spain said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for 'decisive' action from the central government. Spanish Government is set to announce new restrictions on Friday.

Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness.

Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas.

"It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada.

"People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult."

Britain

In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections.

About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm.

The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May.

France

French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week.

Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille.

A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said.

Israel to enforce second nationwide shutdown

Meanwhile, Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon.

The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur.

"The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael.&nbsp; 
"And all this for what? For nothing!"

The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home.

As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures.

China

Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved.

Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode.

"They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus.

"Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission".

Europe is looking at broad new restrictions as infections across the world topped 30 million. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned of "alarming rates of transmission". According to an AFP tally, more that 943,000 people have lost lives due to Covid-19 after its emergence in China last year. Europe accounts for more than 200,000. France is going to roll out new curbs for its main cities, Britain is attempting to limit gatherings of people. Governments across Europe are battling fresh spikes of the disease. WHO regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said a surge seen this month "should serve as a wake-up call" after the continent recorded 54,000 infections in a single day last week -- a new record. "Although the numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," Kluge told an online news conference from Copenhagen. Spain Madrid, capital of Spain said it had been overwhelmed by the virus and called for 'decisive' action from the central government. Spanish Government is set to announce new restrictions on Friday. Madrid officials warned that the region's healthcare system was coming under increasing pressure, with one in five hospital beds occupied by Covid patients amid a second wave of the illness. Anxiety has been growing in the city about the prospect of a return to lockdown after a top regional health official on Wednesday raised the possibility for the worst-hit areas. "It would be bad for shops, for small businesses and little bars that survive on people coming in," said 55-year-old Maribel Quesada. "People are really sick of being at home, the (spring) lockdown was very difficult." Britain In Britain, new curbs will take effect Friday, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson warning that pubs may have to close earlier to help avoid a "second hump" of infections. About two million people in northeast England, including in the cities of Newcastle and Sunderland, will no longer be allowed to meet people outside their homes. Only table service will be allowed in bars and entertainment venues will have to close by 10pm. The government already imposed rules across England on Monday limiting socialising to groups of six or fewer, as daily cases reached levels not seen since early May. France French authorities are also preparing tighter restrictions in several cities to curtail a resurgence that has seen nearly 10,000 new cases per day in the past week. Health minister Olivier Veran said Lyon and Nice would be under new rules by Saturday, after curbs on public gatherings were imposed this week in Bordeaux and Marseille. A French association of Covid-19 victims plans to file a legal complaint against Prime Minister Jean Castex, its lawyer said. Israel to enforce second nationwide shutdown Meanwhile, Israel is set to become the first developed country in the world to enforce a second nationwide shutdown, beginning Friday afternoon. The move sparked protests in Tel Aviv late Thursday when hundreds took to the streets against the restrictions, which are set to take effect just hours before Jewish New Year and will cover other religious holidays including Yom Kippur. "The economy is in freefall, people are losing their jobs, they're depressed," said 60-year-old Yael. "And all this for what? For nothing!" The country has the world's second-highest virus infection rate after Bahrain, according to AFP figures. Under its new measures, residents will be limited to within 500 metres (yards) of their home. As anger grows over how authorities worldwide have responded to the virus, some governments are facing legal action from citizens for alleged failures. China Suits have also been filed in China by bereaved relatives but many have had them abruptly rejected, while dozens of others face pressure from authorities not to file, according to people involved. Families of victims accuse the governments in Wuhan and Hubei province, ground zero for the global pandemic, of concealing the outbreak when it first emerged, failing to alert the public, and bungling the response, allowing Covid-19 to explode. "They say the epidemic was a natural calamity. But these serious outcomes are man-made, and you need to find who's to blame," said pensioner Zhong Hanneng, whose son died with the virus. "Our family is shattered," she added. "I can never be happy again."

Global cases top 30 million, Europe imposes fresh curbs after WHO warning

WHO warns of a very serious situation unfolding in Europe

World Health Organisation's(WHO)&nbsp;Europe unit warned countries in Europe&nbsp;against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of&nbsp;transmission across Europe".

The WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September "should serve as a wake-up call for all of us."

"Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," he told an online press conference from Danish capital Copenhagen.

WHO has said that it will not change its guidance that calls for 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to coronavirus.

France has reduced the recommended length for self-isolation has been reduced to seven days. In UK and Ireland the recommended number of days for isolation is 10.

"Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science," WHO Europe's senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood said.

The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly five million cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation's own figures.

The number of daily cases recorded is currently between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on April 1 -- although testing in many countries has increased considerably.

COVID-19 restrictions to be tightened in England

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that restrictions would be tightened in northeast England from Friday.

The step is being taken to stem the rise of new coronavirus cases. Hancock told Parliament that residents would be banned from socialising with others outside their households or support bubbles. He said there would be table service only in restaurants and bars and that leisure venues needed to close between 10pm and 5am.

(With inputs from AFP)

World Health Organisation's(WHO) Europe unit warned countries in Europe against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of transmission across Europe".

World Health Organisation's(WHO) Europe unit warned countries in Europe against shortening the 14-day quarantine period for suspected coronavirus cases as, it said, COVID-19 has seen "alarming rates of transmission across Europe". The WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said the number of coronavirus cases seen in September "should serve as a wake-up call for all of us." "Although these numbers reflect more comprehensive testing, it also shows alarming rates of transmission across the region," he told an online press conference from Danish capital Copenhagen. WHO has said that it will not change its guidance that calls for 14-day quarantine period for anyone exposed to coronavirus. France has reduced the recommended length for self-isolation has been reduced to seven days. In UK and Ireland the recommended number of days for isolation is 10. "Our quarantine recommendation of 14 days has been based on our understanding of the incubation period and transmission of the disease. We would only revise that on the basis of a change of our understanding of the science," WHO Europe's senior emergency officer Catherine Smallwood said. The 53 member states of WHO Europe have recorded nearly five million cases of Covid-19 and more than 227,000 related deaths, according to the organisation's own figures. The number of daily cases recorded is currently between 40,000 and 50,000, comparable to a daily peak of 43,000 on April 1 -- although testing in many countries has increased considerably. COVID-19 restrictions to be tightened in England British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that restrictions would be tightened in northeast England from Friday. The step is being taken to stem the rise of new coronavirus cases. Hancock told Parliament that residents would be banned from socialising with others outside their households or support bubbles. He said there would be table service only in restaurants and bars and that leisure venues needed to close between 10pm and 5am. (With inputs from AFP)

WHO warns 'alarming rates of transmission' in Europe as UK imposes restrictions in northeast England

World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively.&nbsp;

In an increasing sign of WHO's unease with the way coronavirus pandemic is being politicised in some countries, Ryan said that the pandemic should not be made into a "political football".

"It's understanding the confusion, it's understanding their (people's) concern, it's understanding their apprehension. And not laughing at it and not turning that into some kind of political football," said Dr Ryan

His comments came just a day after US President Donald Trump contradicted Robert Redfield, Director of Centre for Disease Control (CDC) over the possible availability of coronavirus vaccine.

Redfield had said that coronavirus vaccine will broadly be rolled out in mid-2021 and masks might be more effective.

“If you’re asking me when is it going to be generally available to the American public so we can begin to take advantage of vaccine to get back to our regular life, I think we’re probably looking at third ... late second quarter, third quarter 2021,” Redfield told US Senate.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-has-dragged-150-million-more-children-into-poverty-unicef-328144">Coronavirus has dragged 150 million more children into poverty: Unicef</a>

Trump, at a news conference, said he believed a vaccine will be rolled out much sooner. He said he called Redfield after his testimony to question him about it, and that Redfield appeared to have been "confused" by the question.

US Presidential Elections are due in November this year.

"It is important that we have consistent messaging from all levels, and it's not for one country or one entity; consistent messaging between science and between government," the WHO's Mike Ryan said in response to a question about the exchange.

This is not the first time USA and the WHO have exchanged words. In May this year, Trump even threatened to halt funding to the WHO.

(With inputs from Reuters)

World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively.

World Health Organisation's top emergency expert Mike Ryan stressed the need for countries to have "consistent messaging" for the public in order to combat coronavirus pandemic effectively. In an increasing sign of WHO's unease with the way coronavirus pandemic is being politicised in some countries, Ryan said that the pandemic should not be made into a "political football". "It's understanding the confusion, it's understanding their (people's) concern, it's understanding their apprehension. And not laughing at it and not turning that into some kind of political football," said Dr Ryan His comments came just a day after US President Donald Trump contradicted Robert Redfield, Director of Centre for Disease Control (CDC) over the possible availability of coronavirus vaccine. Redfield had said that coronavirus vaccine will broadly be rolled out in mid-2021 and masks might be more effective. “If you’re asking me when is it going to be generally available to the American public so we can begin to take advantage of vaccine to get back to our regular life, I think we’re probably looking at third ... late second quarter, third quarter 2021,” Redfield told US Senate. Also Read | Coronavirus has dragged 150 million more children into poverty: Unicef Trump, at a news conference, said he believed a vaccine will be rolled out much sooner. He said he called Redfield after his testimony to question him about it, and that Redfield appeared to have been "confused" by the question. US Presidential Elections are due in November this year. "It is important that we have consistent messaging from all levels, and it's not for one country or one entity; consistent messaging between science and between government," the WHO's Mike Ryan said in response to a question about the exchange. This is not the first time USA and the WHO have exchanged words. In May this year, Trump even threatened to halt funding to the WHO. (With inputs from Reuters)

Trump, CDC make contradictory claim over vaccine rollout timeline in US

International donors have raised $700 million - less than half the target - to purchase future coronavirus vaccines for poor countries in a global initiative to ensure eventual vaccines do not go only to rich countries, a World Health Organization official said on Thursday.

The COVAX Advanced Market Commitment has an initial target of $2 billion to buy the vaccines.

"Up to today, what has been mobilised so far is $700 million ... So there is a great deal of work to be done to diversify the possible sources of funding," Matshidiso Moeti, Africa regional director for the WHO, told an online press briefing.

COVAX is co-led by the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the CEPI Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Its aim is to deliver 2 billion doses of effective, approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021.

At least eight African countries, including South Africa, Gabon, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea had agreed to self-finance access to the vaccine, Moeti said.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said last month the continent had started to slowly "bend the curve" of COVID-19 infections as measures like mask-wearing and social distancing slow the spread of the pandemic.

International donors have raised $700 million - less than half the target - to purchase future coronavirus vaccines for poor countries in a global initiative to ensure eventual vaccines do not go only to rich countries, a World Health Organization official said on Thursday.

International donors have raised $700 million - less than half the target - to purchase future coronavirus vaccines for poor countries in a global initiative to ensure eventual vaccines do not go only to rich countries, a World Health Organization official said on Thursday. The COVAX Advanced Market Commitment has an initial target of $2 billion to buy the vaccines. "Up to today, what has been mobilised so far is $700 million ... So there is a great deal of work to be done to diversify the possible sources of funding," Matshidiso Moeti, Africa regional director for the WHO, told an online press briefing. COVAX is co-led by the GAVI Vaccine Alliance, the WHO and the CEPI Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Its aim is to deliver 2 billion doses of effective, approved COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2021. At least eight African countries, including South Africa, Gabon, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea had agreed to self-finance access to the vaccine, Moeti said. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said last month the continent had started to slowly "bend the curve" of COVID-19 infections as measures like mask-wearing and social distancing slow the spread of the pandemic.

WHO says $700 million raised so far for COVID-19 vaccines initiative for poor

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday announced that “temporary suspensions” in vaccine development are not unusual, following the news of AstraZeneca’s suspension of its vaccine trials in conjunction with Oxford University after a person developed an undisclosed illness.

The WHO also added that “safety is paramount in clinical trials” of vaccines, and that suspensions are common to ascertain the cause of unexplained illness in any participants.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/whos-independent-panel-to-submit-report-on-pandemic-response-next-year-325101" hreflang="en">WHO's independent panel to submit report on pandemic response next year</a>

AstraZeneca on Wednesday suspended global trials of its potential coronavirus vaccine, which caused the shares of British drugmaker to stumble, also decreasing the prospects for the vaccine’s early release, as was earlier thought.

"We are pleased to see vaccine developers assuring the scientific integrity of the trials and abiding by the standard guidelines and rules for the development of vaccines," the WHO said in an email to Reuters.

The organised also urged "strict adherence to established testing protocols in all vaccine trials to ensure the safety of volunteers and the eventual safety and efficacy of vaccines”.

Not the last pandemic

World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday had said that the world must prepare itself for another pandemic, and to be better prepared this time. At the same time, he urged countries to invest in public health.

"This will not be the last pandemic," Tedros said during a news briefing in Geneva.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/widespread-covid-19-vaccinations-not-expected-until-mid-2021-who-325216" hreflang="en">Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO</a>

"History teaches us that outbreaks and pandemics are a fact of life. But when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready – more ready than it was this time”, he added.

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said&nbsp;

On Friday, the World Health Organization said that it does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, while stressing the importance of stringent checks on the effectiveness and safety of any potential vaccine.

"We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," spokeswoman Margaret Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday announced that “temporary suspensions” in vaccine development are not unusual, following the news of AstraZeneca’s suspension of its vaccine trials in conjunction with Oxford University after a person developed an undisclosed illness.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday announced that “temporary suspensions” in vaccine development are not unusual, following the news of AstraZeneca’s suspension of its vaccine trials in conjunction with Oxford University after a person developed an undisclosed illness. The WHO also added that “safety is paramount in clinical trials” of vaccines, and that suspensions are common to ascertain the cause of unexplained illness in any participants. Also read: WHO's independent panel to submit report on pandemic response next year AstraZeneca on Wednesday suspended global trials of its potential coronavirus vaccine, which caused the shares of British drugmaker to stumble, also decreasing the prospects for the vaccine’s early release, as was earlier thought. "We are pleased to see vaccine developers assuring the scientific integrity of the trials and abiding by the standard guidelines and rules for the development of vaccines," the WHO said in an email to Reuters. The organised also urged "strict adherence to established testing protocols in all vaccine trials to ensure the safety of volunteers and the eventual safety and efficacy of vaccines”. Not the last pandemic World Health Organization’s chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday had said that the world must prepare itself for another pandemic, and to be better prepared this time. At the same time, he urged countries to invest in public health. "This will not be the last pandemic," Tedros said during a news briefing in Geneva. Also read: Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO "History teaches us that outbreaks and pandemics are a fact of life. But when the next pandemic comes, the world must be ready – more ready than it was this time”, he added. The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said On Friday, the World Health Organization said that it does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, while stressing the importance of stringent checks on the effectiveness and safety of any potential vaccine. "We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," spokeswoman Margaret Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva.

Temporary suspensions in vaccine trials 'not unusual', says WHO

A WHO-appointed independent panel has said it will present a report next year to review the health agency and the global response to the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

"We must honour the more than 25.6 million people known to have contracted the disease and the 850,000 and counting who have died from COVID-19," Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Liberian president, who will co-chair the panel along with former New Zealand PM Helen Clark.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-exceed-25-million-death-toll-at-858295-324812">Global coronavirus cases exceed 25 million; death toll at 858,295</a>

He added that the panel will meet on September 17 and every six weeks until April. It hopes to brief WHO in November and submit a final report next year.&nbsp;

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reports-over-7000-new-coronavirus-cases-for-second-consecutive-day-325090">France reports over 7,000 new coronavirus cases for second consecutive day</a>

Johnson Sirleaf also said it is "a strong panel, poised to ask the hard questions".&nbsp;

Clark said that WHO had made it "clear" that they will have full access to any internal documents, adding "anything we want to see, we see".

On Thursday, the panel added 11 other members, which include Joanne Liu, who was an outspoken WHO critic when he led Medecins Sans Frontieres during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014-2016.

Zhong Nanshan, a well-known Chinese doctor who was first to publicly confirm human-to-human transmission of COVID-19; Mark Dybul, who chaired the Global Fund to tackle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; are also part of this independent group.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A WHO-appointed independent panel has said it will present a report next year to review the health agency and the global response to the coronavirus outbreak. "We must honour the more than 25.

A WHO-appointed independent panel has said it will present a report next year to review the health agency and the global response to the coronavirus outbreak. "We must honour the more than 25.6 million people known to have contracted the disease and the 850,000 and counting who have died from COVID-19," Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Liberian president, who will co-chair the panel along with former New Zealand PM Helen Clark. Also read | Global coronavirus cases exceed 25 million; death toll at 858,295 He added that the panel will meet on September 17 and every six weeks until April. It hopes to brief WHO in November and submit a final report next year. Also read | France reports over 7,000 new coronavirus cases for second consecutive day Johnson Sirleaf also said it is "a strong panel, poised to ask the hard questions". Clark said that WHO had made it "clear" that they will have full access to any internal documents, adding "anything we want to see, we see". On Thursday, the panel added 11 other members, which include Joanne Liu, who was an outspoken WHO critic when he led Medecins Sans Frontieres during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014-2016. Zhong Nanshan, a well-known Chinese doctor who was first to publicly confirm human-to-human transmission of COVID-19; Mark Dybul, who chaired the Global Fund to tackle AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; are also part of this independent group.

WHO's independent panel to submit report on pandemic response next year

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety.

None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a "clear signal" of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said.

Russia granted regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy.

US public health officials and Pfizer Inc said on Thursday a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on Nov. 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term.

"We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva.

"This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate.

All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added.

The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance are leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute shots fairly. The focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers.

COVAX aims to procure and deliver 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021, but some countries that have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals, including the United States, have said they will not join.

"Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines," Harris said.

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety.

The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against Covid-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety. None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a "clear signal" of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said. Russia granted regulatory approval to a Covid-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy. US public health officials and Pfizer Inc said on Thursday a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That would be just ahead of the US election on Nov. 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term. "We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year," Harris told a UN briefing in Geneva. "This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is," she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate. All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. "A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don't know is whether the vaccine works...at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...," she added. The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance are leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute shots fairly. The focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers. COVAX aims to procure and deliver 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021, but some countries that have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals, including the United States, have said they will not join. "Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines," Harris said.

Widespread Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until mid-2021: WHO

The World Health Organization's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday called on countries to persevere with restrictions to tackle coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus cases in US top 6 million; Mexico’s toll surpasses 64,000 Tedros said that opening up without control of the virus would be a "recipe for disaster".

The World Health Organization's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday called on countries to persevere with restrictions to tackle coronavirus. Also read: Coronavirus cases in US top 6 million; Mexico’s toll surpasses 64,000 Tedros said that opening up without control of the virus would be a "recipe for disaster". However, he also noted that many people are getting tired of restrictions and want to return to normality after eight months of the new coronavirus. "We want to see children returning to school and people returning to work places, but we want to see it done safely," Tedros told a news conference. "No country can just pretend the pandemic is over," he said. "The reality is this virus spreads easily. Opening up without control is a recipe for disaster." As the number of Covid-19 cases continues to surge, the virus epicentre has shifted to India even as cases topped 6 million and 7 million in the United States and the Latin American region respectively. As many as 25,377,704 people around the world have been diagnosed with Covid-19. While more than 17,700,781 have recovered, 850,149 have died so far. The US, the worst-hit country, has 6,173,229. cases. It is followed by Brazil, which has 3,862,311. Coronavirus cases in the United States, the world’s worst-hit nation, topped 6 million on Sunday as many states in the US’s Midwest region started reporting new surges since the last month. This also comes as school and universities started reopening across the states. (Inputs from agencies)

Opening up without controlling COVID-19 would be a 'recipe for disaster': WHO

A team from the WHO tasked with investigating the origins of the Coronavirus did not travel to Wuhan. Meanwhile, a photo of a grave - allegedly of a Chinese solider killed during the Galwan face-off is spreading on the Chinese internet. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: W.H.O. team failed to visit Wuhan during China trip

The University of Arizona discovered early indications of coronavirus in a student hostel by testing the wastewater and regularly screening the sewage from each dorm. 
 
The authorities were successfully able to head off an outbreak there.

According to the media reports, the researchers prevented a surge in COVID-19 cases caused by asymptomatic individuals inside one of its dormitory by conducting a test program on wastewater coming from campus hostel.

“We did test — I think there are 311 individuals in that dorm — and we did the antigen test yesterday and found two positive cases there,” said campus President Robert Robbins to tucson.com.&nbsp;

“We’re running down contact tracing their contacts, and those two individuals have gone to isolation yesterday morning.”

The wastewater testing provides a way to monitor for potential cases, particularly asymptomatic ones, beyond individual tests for the virus, researchers said.

Meanwhile, US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 180,000 on Thursday after a surge of new cases in June and July, many of them in hotspots like California, Florida, and Texas.

There were some signs of an improving outlook. Last week, deaths fell 17% from the prior week and below an average of 1,000 a day for the first time in weeks, according to a Reuters analysis.

(With inputs from agencies)

The University of Arizona discovered early indications of coronavirus in a student hostel by testing the wastewater and regularly screening the sewage from each dorm.

The University of Arizona discovered early indications of coronavirus in a student hostel by testing the wastewater and regularly screening the sewage from each dorm. The authorities were successfully able to head off an outbreak there. According to the media reports, the researchers prevented a surge in COVID-19 cases caused by asymptomatic individuals inside one of its dormitory by conducting a test program on wastewater coming from campus hostel. “We did test — I think there are 311 individuals in that dorm — and we did the antigen test yesterday and found two positive cases there,” said campus President Robert Robbins to tucson.com. “We’re running down contact tracing their contacts, and those two individuals have gone to isolation yesterday morning.” The wastewater testing provides a way to monitor for potential cases, particularly asymptomatic ones, beyond individual tests for the virus, researchers said. Meanwhile, US deaths from the novel coronavirus topped 180,000 on Thursday after a surge of new cases in June and July, many of them in hotspots like California, Florida, and Texas. There were some signs of an improving outlook. Last week, deaths fell 17% from the prior week and below an average of 1,000 a day for the first time in weeks, according to a Reuters analysis. (With inputs from agencies)

US university claims to stop Covid-19 outbreak with help of 'poop'

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