The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-astrazeneca-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-safe-produced-immune-response-data-reveals-314716">Also Read:&nbsp;Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe &amp; produced immune response, data reveals</a>

“We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said.

Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University, in a paper published in The Lancet, said their experimental vaccine had been shown to trigger a protective immune response in hundreds of people who got the shot.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oxford-university-set-to-present-initial-trial-data-as-uk-secures-90-million-doses-of-potential-cornavirus-vaccines-314690">Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines</a>

According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe, well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus". 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-inside-the-russian-lab-that-is-making-the-covid-19-vaccine-314765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed.

Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding, “we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection."

The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses

The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas.

Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity.

(With inputs from agencies)

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'.

The emergencies chief of WHO Michael Ryan has said that the two studies that offered new hope of a potential vaccine for the novel coronavirus on Monday are a 'positive result' but warns 'there is a long way to go'. Also Read: Oxford-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine trial: Safe & produced immune response, data reveals “We now need to move into larger-scale real-world trials. But it is good to see more data and more products moving into this very important phase of vaccine discovery,” Dr Michael Ryan said. Ryan's comments came as scientists at Oxford University, in a paper published in The Lancet, said their experimental vaccine had been shown to trigger a protective immune response in hundreds of people who got the shot. Also Read: UK secures 90 million doses of potential cornavirus vaccines According to reports, the vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca in the UK showed it was "safe, well tolerated and immunogenic", the vaccine according to Lancet also showed single dose elicited both "humoral and cellular responses against the virus". AstraZeneca's experimental coronavirus vaccine was safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials in healthy volunteers, data revealed. Vaccine developer Sarah Gilbert said: "There is still much work to be done before we can confirm if our vaccine will help manage the COVID-19 pandemic, but these early results hold promise," while adding, “we still do not know how strong an immune response we need to provoke to effectively protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection." The Lancet medical journal said the vaccine AZD1222 under development by AstraZeneca and scientists at Britain's Oxford University did not prompt any serious side effects and elicited antibody and T-cell immune responses The research took groups with co-morbidities, health-care workers and those with a higher risk for efficacy, safety and immunogenicity towards the virus given as single dose or two-dose administration regimen in further trials conducted in the UK and overseas. Phase-3 trials are now underway in Brazil, South Africa and the UK. According to reports, no serious adverse reactions to the virus occurred. The majority of adverse events reported were mild or moderate in severity. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19 vaccine: WHO applauds Oxford coronavirus vaccine data, but warns there’s still a long way to go

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

'COVID-19 outbreak in hard-hit Brazil appears to have plateaued', according to W.H.O.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday&nbsp;raised alarm against a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warned of an imminent shortage of funds to fight the deadly disease.

56 cases have been reported in Equator province, which is greater than the total number of cases recorded in the province's last outbreak in 2018 according to the organisation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/congo-reports-fresh-ebola-outbreak-three-weeks-before-plans-to-proclaim-the-country-disease-free-302415">Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free</a>

According to Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa, ''Efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated the response to the Ebola outbreak.''

"We must not let Covid-19 distract us from tackling other pressing health threats. The current Ebola outbreak is running into headwinds because cases are scattered across remote areas in dense rainforests," Moeti said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-ebola-outbreak-in-congo-kills-5-people-says-unicef-302613">Fresh Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 5 people, says UNICEF</a>

$1.75 million&nbsp;has been mobilised to combat the Ebola outbreak by the WHO on June 1, but that will only last a few more weeks.

Additional funding to help with vaccinations, testing, contact tracing, treatment and health education. For this Moeti has called for help.

Another Ebola outbreak in the east of the country was declared over June 25 after two years. 2,280 people had died in the previous outbreak.

Executive director of the WHO's emergency health programme, Michael Ryan, who has worked extensively on Ebola, said Monday that as of Sunday there were 17 deaths from confirmed Ebola cases and three more from suspected cases.

''While the numbers may appear low, the threat of spread is worrisome, especially because of the extreme logistical problems for health care workers to access remote, affected communities'' said Ryan.

"Any one of those individual cases can result in amplification of the disease," he added.

Over 12,000 people have been vaccinated in Equator in the six weeks since the outbreak started, beginning four days after the outbreak was declared according to Moeti.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday raised alarm against a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warned of an imminent shortage of funds to fight the deadly disease.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Thursday raised alarm against a growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and warned of an imminent shortage of funds to fight the deadly disease. 56 cases have been reported in Equator province, which is greater than the total number of cases recorded in the province's last outbreak in 2018 according to the organisation. Also read: Congo reports fresh Ebola outbreak three weeks before plans to proclaim the country disease-free According to Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO's regional director for Africa, ''Efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic have complicated the response to the Ebola outbreak.'' "We must not let Covid-19 distract us from tackling other pressing health threats. The current Ebola outbreak is running into headwinds because cases are scattered across remote areas in dense rainforests," Moeti said. Also read: Fresh Ebola outbreak in Congo kills 5 people, says UNICEF $1.75 million has been mobilised to combat the Ebola outbreak by the WHO on June 1, but that will only last a few more weeks. Additional funding to help with vaccinations, testing, contact tracing, treatment and health education. For this Moeti has called for help. Another Ebola outbreak in the east of the country was declared over June 25 after two years. 2,280 people had died in the previous outbreak. Executive director of the WHO's emergency health programme, Michael Ryan, who has worked extensively on Ebola, said Monday that as of Sunday there were 17 deaths from confirmed Ebola cases and three more from suspected cases. ''While the numbers may appear low, the threat of spread is worrisome, especially because of the extreme logistical problems for health care workers to access remote, affected communities'' said Ryan. "Any one of those individual cases can result in amplification of the disease," he added. Over 12,000 people have been vaccinated in Equator in the six weeks since the outbreak started, beginning four days after the outbreak was declared according to Moeti.

WHO raises alarm and asks for help fighting growing Ebola outbreak

World Health Organization in its latest media briefing has warned that there will be no return to what we call the old normal for the foreseeable future as too many countries are headed in the wrong direction. Watch report.

WHO: Many countries headed in wrong direction, Crisis to get worse and worse

Under pressure from the United States and allies, the WHO has announced the panel that will review the response to the pandemic. WION's Palki Sharma tells you more about the leaders who will lead the probe.

Gravitas: WHO kicks off an investigation into the Covid-19 pandemic

W.H.O. lauds India's efforts to contain COVID-19 spread in Mumbai's Dharavi. W.H.O. said that Dharavi should be seen as an example around the world.

Massive decline in COVID-19 cases in Mumbai's Dharavi in July

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the "unknown pneumonia" reported in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19.

According to CGTN News, Michael Ryan, executive director of the Health Emergencies Programme of the WHO, on Friday said at a regular briefing that the pneumonia outbreak in the Central Asian nation was certainly on their radar, and that they were working with local health authorities amid a rise in reported cases.

He also pointed out that there's been a big surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, with over 10,000 in last seven days.

The WHO is studying the quality of local testing conditions in case some pneumonia cases are in fact undiagnosed cases of COVID-19, Ryan said, adding that the WHO "keeps an open mind" to other possibilities.

"We are looking at the actual testing and the quality of the testing to make sure that there have not been false negative tests for some of those other pneumonia that are provisionally tested negative," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-denies-chinese-reports-of-pneumonia-deadlier-than-covid-19-312174">Also read |&nbsp;Kazakhstan denies Chinese reports of pneumonia deadlier than COVID-19</a>

"That is likely to be a major cause of this. In many ways, many of these pneumonia cases will also be COVID-19. They just have not been diagnosed correctly," Ryan added.

On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan issued a warning to citizens living in the Central Asian country that the pneumonia had killed more than 1,700 people.&nbsp;

"Kazakhstani Health Department and other agencies are conducting comparative research and have not defined the nature of the pneumonia virus," said the statement cited by CNN.

New cases of the unidentified pneumonia have been increasing significantly since mid-June across the country, said the embassy, adding that in some places, authorities are reporting hundreds of new cases a day.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unknown-pneumonia-deadlier-than-coronavirus-sweeping-across-kazakhstan-warns-chinese-embassy-312099">Also read |&nbsp;'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy</a>

In a statement on Friday, the Kazakhstan health ministry acknowledged the presence of "viral pneumonias of unspecified etiology," but denied that the outbreak was new or unknown. It added the "unspecified" pneumonia classification followed WHO guidelines "for the registration of pneumonia when the coronavirus infection is diagnosed clinically or epidemiologically but is not confirmed by laboratory testing.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the "unknown pneumonia" reported in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19. According to CGTN News, Michael Ryan, executive director of the Health Emergencies Programme of the WHO, on Friday said at a regular briefing that the pneumonia outbreak in the Central Asian nation was certainly on their radar, and that they were working with local health authorities amid a rise in reported cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said the "unknown pneumonia" reported in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19. According to CGTN News, Michael Ryan, executive director of the Health Emergencies Programme of the WHO, on Friday said at a regular briefing that the pneumonia outbreak in the Central Asian nation was certainly on their radar, and that they were working with local health authorities amid a rise in reported cases. He also pointed out that there's been a big surge in COVID-19 cases in the country, with over 10,000 in last seven days. The WHO is studying the quality of local testing conditions in case some pneumonia cases are in fact undiagnosed cases of COVID-19, Ryan said, adding that the WHO "keeps an open mind" to other possibilities. "We are looking at the actual testing and the quality of the testing to make sure that there have not been false negative tests for some of those other pneumonia that are provisionally tested negative," he said. Also read | Kazakhstan denies Chinese reports of pneumonia deadlier than COVID-19 "That is likely to be a major cause of this. In many ways, many of these pneumonia cases will also be COVID-19. They just have not been diagnosed correctly," Ryan added. On Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan issued a warning to citizens living in the Central Asian country that the pneumonia had killed more than 1,700 people. "Kazakhstani Health Department and other agencies are conducting comparative research and have not defined the nature of the pneumonia virus," said the statement cited by CNN. New cases of the unidentified pneumonia have been increasing significantly since mid-June across the country, said the embassy, adding that in some places, authorities are reporting hundreds of new cases a day. Also read | 'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy In a statement on Friday, the Kazakhstan health ministry acknowledged the presence of "viral pneumonias of unspecified etiology," but denied that the outbreak was new or unknown. It added the "unspecified" pneumonia classification followed WHO guidelines "for the registration of pneumonia when the coronavirus infection is diagnosed clinically or epidemiologically but is not confirmed by laboratory testing.

WHO believes 'unknown pneumonia' in Kazakhstan could be COVID-19

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

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

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

WHO coronavirus pandemic response probe a litmus test for the agency

New Zealand's former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead a review of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Describing this duty as "exceptionally challenging", she has warned that the danger of the pandemic will not decrease easily and the possibility of such a crisis rising again still exists. reminding everyone that this is the sixth time in the last 17 years that such a crisis has arised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unknown-pneumonia-deadlier-than-coronavirus-sweeping-across-kazakhstan-warns-chinese-embassy-312099">Also read|&nbsp;'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy</a>

Clark said that&nbsp;if the world remained "flat-footed" in its response to pandemics, it faces future economic, social and political crisis.

"This is going to happen again. If the world is as flat-footed in response as it has been to this we are in serious ongoing economic, social, political crisis," she said in a local TV interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bubonic-plague-being-well-managed-in-china-not-high-risk-who-311353">Also read|&nbsp;Bubonic plague being 'well managed' in China, not high risk: WHO</a>

The statement came after the WHO on Thursday announced that Helen Clark and Liberia's former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will lead a panel investigating and scrutinising the global response to the ongoing pandemic.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called both women "strong-minded, independent leaders" and gave them the freedom to&nbsp;assess WHO's and governments' responses to the pandemic.

Clark and Sirleaf have to choose their panel members. Clark has described this to be a challenging but important job. "But there's also a very real job to do, which is to look at how the WHO has been able to lead. Does it have the right mechanisms? What actually happened here? And there's a lot of politics in that," she said.

New Zealand's former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead a review of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand's former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been appointed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to lead a review of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Describing this duty as "exceptionally challenging", she has warned that the danger of the pandemic will not decrease easily and the possibility of such a crisis rising again still exists. reminding everyone that this is the sixth time in the last 17 years that such a crisis has arised. Also read| 'Unknown Pneumonia' deadlier than coronavirus sweeping across Kazakhstan, warns Chinese Embassy Clark said that if the world remained "flat-footed" in its response to pandemics, it faces future economic, social and political crisis. "This is going to happen again. If the world is as flat-footed in response as it has been to this we are in serious ongoing economic, social, political crisis," she said in a local TV interview. Also read| Bubonic plague being 'well managed' in China, not high risk: WHO The statement came after the WHO on Thursday announced that Helen Clark and Liberia's former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will lead a panel investigating and scrutinising the global response to the ongoing pandemic. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called both women "strong-minded, independent leaders" and gave them the freedom to assess WHO's and governments' responses to the pandemic. Clark and Sirleaf have to choose their panel members. Clark has described this to be a challenging but important job. "But there's also a very real job to do, which is to look at how the WHO has been able to lead. Does it have the right mechanisms? What actually happened here? And there's a lot of politics in that," she said.

Flat-footed response will bring back crisis: former New Zealand PM Helen Clark

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

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

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

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

China on Wednesday defended the World Health Organization (WHO) and slammed the US over its decision to withdraw from the UN body.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the move was “another demonstration of the US pursuing unilateralism, withdrawing from groups and breaking contracts”.

WHO is “the most authoritative and professional international institution in the field of global public health security,” he said at a daily briefing.

The US departure from the organisation “undermines the international anti-epidemic efforts, and in particular has a serious negative impact on developing countries in urgent need of international support,” Zhao added.

The Trump administration formally notified the UN on Monday of its withdrawal from WHO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-begins-formal-withdrawal-from-who-311479">Also read | Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO</a>

The United States will leave WHO on July 6, 2021, the United Nations said on Tuesday, after receiving notification of the decision by President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of becoming a puppet for China during the coronavirus pandemic.

The withdrawal has drawn criticism from various organisations. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to reverse the decision "on (his) first day" if elected.

The WHO has denied assertions by Trump that it promoted Chinese “disinformation” about the virus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-impeachment-witness-quits-army-is-trumps-bullying-the-reason-311795">Also read | Key impeachment witness quits army. Is Trump's bullying the reason?</a>

China on Wednesday defended the World Health Organization (WHO) and slammed the US over its decision to withdraw from the UN body. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the move was “another demonstration of the US pursuing unilateralism, withdrawing from groups and breaking contracts”.

China on Wednesday defended the World Health Organization (WHO) and slammed the US over its decision to withdraw from the UN body. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the move was “another demonstration of the US pursuing unilateralism, withdrawing from groups and breaking contracts”. WHO is “the most authoritative and professional international institution in the field of global public health security,” he said at a daily briefing. The US departure from the organisation “undermines the international anti-epidemic efforts, and in particular has a serious negative impact on developing countries in urgent need of international support,” Zhao added. The Trump administration formally notified the UN on Monday of its withdrawal from WHO. Also read | Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO The United States will leave WHO on July 6, 2021, the United Nations said on Tuesday, after receiving notification of the decision by President Donald Trump, who has accused the agency of becoming a puppet for China during the coronavirus pandemic. The withdrawal has drawn criticism from various organisations. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden vowed Tuesday to reverse the decision "on (his) first day" if elected. The WHO has denied assertions by Trump that it promoted Chinese “disinformation” about the virus. Also read | Key impeachment witness quits army. Is Trump's bullying the reason?

China defends WHO, slams US move to withdraw

The Trump administration has notified Congress and the United Nations that the United States is formally withdrawing from the World Health Organization due to China's over influence on the body.

US begins formal withdrawal from WHO over China biasness

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

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

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

Trump administration begins formal withdrawal from WHO

Scientists globally urges WHO to check over the airborne transmission of coronavirus few days back. World Health Organisation admits COVID-19 may be airborne but didn't confirmed it, says 'Can't rule out airborne transmission' in an official statement.

WHO admits COVID-19 may be airborne though didn't confirmed

The World Health Organization has quietly changed the timeline of the Coronavirus pandemic. The global health body's new timeline now suggests that China didn't self-report the outbreak on December 31. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: W.H.O quietly changes Coronavirus timeline

An apparent outbreak of bubonic plague in China is being "well managed" and is not considered to represent a high risk, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said on Tuesday.

Local authorities in the city of Bayan Nur in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia issued a warning on Sunday, one day after a hospital reported a case of suspected bubonic plague. It followed four reported cases of plague in people there last November, including two of pneumonic plague, a deadlier variant.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/hundreds-of-scientists-say-coronavirus-is-airborne-ask-who-to-revise-recommendations-says-report-310933" hreflang="en">Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report</a>

"We are monitoring the outbreaks in China, we are watching that closely and in partnership with the Chinese authorities and Mongolian authorities," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told a U.N. press briefing in Geneva.

"At the moment we are not...considering it high-risk but we are watching it, monitoring it carefully," she added.

The bubonic plague, known as the “Black Death” in the Middle Ages, is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that is spread mostly by rodents. Cases are not uncommon in China although they are becoming increasingly rare.

An apparent outbreak of bubonic plague in China is being "well managed" and is not considered to represent a high risk, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said on Tuesday.

An apparent outbreak of bubonic plague in China is being "well managed" and is not considered to represent a high risk, a World Health Organization (WHO) official said on Tuesday. Local authorities in the city of Bayan Nur in the Chinese region of Inner Mongolia issued a warning on Sunday, one day after a hospital reported a case of suspected bubonic plague. It followed four reported cases of plague in people there last November, including two of pneumonic plague, a deadlier variant. Also read: Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report "We are monitoring the outbreaks in China, we are watching that closely and in partnership with the Chinese authorities and Mongolian authorities," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told a U.N. press briefing in Geneva. "At the moment we are not...considering it high-risk but we are watching it, monitoring it carefully," she added. The bubonic plague, known as the “Black Death” in the Middle Ages, is a highly infectious and often fatal disease that is spread mostly by rodents. Cases are not uncommon in China although they are becoming increasingly rare.

Bubonic plague being 'well managed' in China, not high risk: WHO

More than 70 countries warned they are at risk of running out of HIV medication due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization.

More than 70 countries at risk of running out of HIV drugs

If airborne transmission is a significant factor in the pandemic, especially in crowded spaces with poor ventilation, the consequences for containment will be significant.

Scientists urge WHO to address airborne transmission of Coronavirus

W.H.O halts trial of HIV drugs from COVID-19 treatment. W.H.O said that these drugs produced 'little or no reduction in mortality'.

W.H.O halts trial of HIV drugs from COVID-19 treatment

Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people and are calling for the World Health Organization to revise recommendations, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

The WHO has said the coronavirus disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks.

In an open letter to the agency, which the researchers plan to publish in a scientific journal next week, 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined the evidence showing smaller particles can infect people, the NYT said.

The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Whether carried by large droplets that zoom through the air after a sneeze, or by much smaller exhaled droplets that may glide the length of a room, the coronavirus is borne through air and can infect people when inhaled, the scientists said, according to the NYT.

However, the health agency said the evidence for the virus being airborne was not convincing, according to the NYT.

"Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence," Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO's technical lead of infection prevention and control, was quoted as saying by the NYT.

 
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Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people and are calling for the World Health Organization to revise recommendations, the New York Times reported on Saturday.

Hundreds of scientists say there is evidence that novel coronavirus in smaller particles in the air can infect people and are calling for the World Health Organization to revise recommendations, the New York Times reported on Saturday. The WHO has said the coronavirus disease spreads primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or speaks. In an open letter to the agency, which the researchers plan to publish in a scientific journal next week, 239 scientists in 32 countries outlined the evidence showing smaller particles can infect people, the NYT said. The WHO did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. Whether carried by large droplets that zoom through the air after a sneeze, or by much smaller exhaled droplets that may glide the length of a room, the coronavirus is borne through air and can infect people when inhaled, the scientists said, according to the NYT. However, the health agency said the evidence for the virus being airborne was not convincing, according to the NYT. "Especially in the last couple of months, we have been stating several times that we consider airborne transmission as possible but certainly not supported by solid or even clear evidence," Dr. Benedetta Allegranzi, the WHO's technical lead of infection prevention and control, was quoted as saying by the NYT.

Hundreds of scientists say coronavirus is airborne, ask WHO to revise recommendations, says report

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

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

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

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

Almost 30 per cent of genome sequencing data from samples of the COVID-19 virus collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown signs of mutation, but there is no evidence this has led to more severe disease, a top WHO official said on Friday.

"I think it`s quite widespread," Soumya Swaminathan, WHO chief scientist, told Reuters on the sidelines of a briefing held by the U.N. journalists` association ACANU in Geneva.

The UN&nbsp;agency has so far collected 60,000 samples of the disease, she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-humanitarian-crisis-becomes-worse-death-toll-may-cross-100000-310555">Also read:&nbsp;Yemen's humanitarian crisis becomes worse; death toll may cross 100,000</a>

Scientists at Scripps Research this month found that by April the mutated virus accounted for some 65% of cases submitted from around the world to a major database.

The genetic mutation in the new coronavirus, designated D614G, significantly increases its ability to infect cells and may explain why outbreaks in northern Italy and New York were larger than ones seen earlier in the pandemic, they found in a study.

Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, said at Friday`s briefing the mutated strain had been identified as early as February and had been circulating in Europe and the Americas.

"So far, there is no evidence it leads to more severe disease," she said.

Almost 30 per cent of genome sequencing data from samples of the COVID-19 virus collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown signs of mutation, but there is no evidence this has led to more severe disease, a top WHO official said on Friday.

Almost 30 per cent of genome sequencing data from samples of the COVID-19 virus collected by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown signs of mutation, but there is no evidence this has led to more severe disease, a top WHO official said on Friday. "I think it`s quite widespread," Soumya Swaminathan, WHO chief scientist, told Reuters on the sidelines of a briefing held by the U.N. journalists` association ACANU in Geneva. The UN agency has so far collected 60,000 samples of the disease, she said. Also read: Yemen's humanitarian crisis becomes worse; death toll may cross 100,000 Scientists at Scripps Research this month found that by April the mutated virus accounted for some 65% of cases submitted from around the world to a major database. The genetic mutation in the new coronavirus, designated D614G, significantly increases its ability to infect cells and may explain why outbreaks in northern Italy and New York were larger than ones seen earlier in the pandemic, they found in a study. Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at the WHO, said at Friday`s briefing the mutated strain had been identified as early as February and had been circulating in Europe and the Americas. "So far, there is no evidence it leads to more severe disease," she said.

Almost a third of COVID-19 samples show mutation, but not worse disease: WHO

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

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

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

China never reported the existence of coronavirus outbreak, admits WHO

The World Health Organisation has said smoking is linked to a higher risk of severe illness and death from the coronavirus in hospitalised patients.

In a scientific brief published this week, the agency reviewed 34 published studies on the association between smoking and COVID-19, including the probability of infection, hospitalisation, severity of disease and death.

Smokers represent up to 18 per cent of hospitalised coronavirus patients and that there appeared to be a significant link between whether or not patients smoked and the severity of disease they suffered, the type of hospital interventions required and patients' risk of dying, WHO noted.

WHO says "the available evidence suggests that smoking is associated with increased severity of disease and death in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. It recommends that smokers quit."

The World Health Organisation has said smoking is linked to a higher risk of severe illness and death from the coronavirus in hospitalised patients. In a scientific brief published this week, the agency reviewed 34 published studies on the association between smoking and COVID-19, including the probability of infection, hospitalisation, severity of disease and death.

The World Health Organisation has said smoking is linked to a higher risk of severe illness and death from the coronavirus in hospitalised patients. In a scientific brief published this week, the agency reviewed 34 published studies on the association between smoking and COVID-19, including the probability of infection, hospitalisation, severity of disease and death. Smokers represent up to 18 per cent of hospitalised coronavirus patients and that there appeared to be a significant link between whether or not patients smoked and the severity of disease they suffered, the type of hospital interventions required and patients' risk of dying, WHO noted. WHO says "the available evidence suggests that smoking is associated with increased severity of disease and death in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. It recommends that smokers quit."

WHO says smoking linked to higher risk of coronavirus

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said WHO will be sending a team to China next week to investigate the origins of the novel coronavirus.

W.H.O to send a team to China to investigate COVID-19 virus origin

As countries report fresh cases of coronavirus, and lockdown are being reinforced in many parts of the world, the World Health Organization chief has given another warning.

WHO Chief warns that 'The worst is yet to come in COVID-19 Pandemic'

World Health Organization's regional director Dr Hans Henri Kluge that several European countries were showing "accelerated transmission" which has led to "very significant resurgence" of the coronavirus pandemic.

Watch Video:

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"For weeks, I have spoken about the risk of resurgence as countries adjust measures," &nbsp;Kluge said while addressing a video news conference, adding, "in several countries across Europe, this risk has now become a reality - 30 countries have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks."

"In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that if left unchecked will push health systems to the brink once again," the top WHO official said.

WHO identified Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Kosovo, Armenia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine showing&nbsp;a resurgence of the virus.

Kluge's warning comes as several European countries relaxed their lockdown restrictions with France opening the Eiffel Tower for tourists, and the UK allowing pubs and restaurants to reopen from July 4 amid reports British PM Boris Johnson being under pressure from businesses and from members of his party to ease the lockdown.

"Today we can say that our long, national hibernation is beginning to come to an end," the British prime minister had told the UK parliament earlier.

"We have indeed to prepare for the fall, when COVID-19 may meet seasonal influenza, pneumonia, other diseases as well, because ultimately the virus is still actively circulating in our communities and there is no effective treatment, no effective vaccine, yet," Kluge warned.

World Health Organization's regional director Dr Hans Henri Kluge that several European countries were showing "accelerated transmission" which has led to "very significant resurgence" of the coronavirus pandemic.

World Health Organization's regional director Dr Hans Henri Kluge that several European countries were showing "accelerated transmission" which has led to "very significant resurgence" of the coronavirus pandemic. Watch Video: "For weeks, I have spoken about the risk of resurgence as countries adjust measures," Kluge said while addressing a video news conference, adding, "in several countries across Europe, this risk has now become a reality - 30 countries have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks." "In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that if left unchecked will push health systems to the brink once again," the top WHO official said. WHO identified Azerbaijan, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Kosovo, Armenia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine showing a resurgence of the virus. Kluge's warning comes as several European countries relaxed their lockdown restrictions with France opening the Eiffel Tower for tourists, and the UK allowing pubs and restaurants to reopen from July 4 amid reports British PM Boris Johnson being under pressure from businesses and from members of his party to ease the lockdown. "Today we can say that our long, national hibernation is beginning to come to an end," the British prime minister had told the UK parliament earlier. "We have indeed to prepare for the fall, when COVID-19 may meet seasonal influenza, pneumonia, other diseases as well, because ultimately the virus is still actively circulating in our communities and there is no effective treatment, no effective vaccine, yet," Kluge warned.

11 European countries have shown significant virus resurgence: WHO

With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world.

The number of positive cases is nearing 10 million and more than 480,000 deaths, only few months after the pandemic started. Following that, WHO has issued a warning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-brazil-witnesses-surge-in-cases-death-toll-goes-past-53000-308429">Also read|&nbsp;Coronavirus: Brazil witnesses surge in cases; death-toll goes past 53,000</a>

“Many countries are now experiencing difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Demand is currently outstripping supply.”

WHO has bought nearly 14,000 oxygen concentrators from manufacturers and aims to supply them to&nbsp;120 countries in coming weeks. The organisation also plans to get additional 170,000 concentrators – worth about US$100m – in the next six months.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-us-records-highest-single-day-spike-california-texas-among-states-worst-hit-308413">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; California, Texas among states worst-hit</a>

The warning was issued as many countries such as India, the US, Brazil, among others, ave been reporting record high daily spike in number of positive cases. The WHO also expressed concern over the sudden increase of 25-50 per cent cases in a week in the Latin American countries. The experts have predicted that the death toll in Latin America is expected to skyrocket to 390,000 by October.

“I would characterise the situation in the Americas in general as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and continued deaths,” said the&nbsp;head of the WHO emergencies programme, Dr Mike Ryan.

India, today, reported 16,922 cases. Brazil reported 42,725 cases and the US reported&nbsp;35,900 cases.&nbsp;

The world tally stands at around 9.39 million cases, including more than 481,000 deaths and almost 4.72 million recovered patients.

(With inputs from agencies)

With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world.

With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world. The number of positive cases is nearing 10 million and more than 480,000 deaths, only few months after the pandemic started. Following that, WHO has issued a warning. Also read| Coronavirus: Brazil witnesses surge in cases; death-toll goes past 53,000 “Many countries are now experiencing difficulties obtaining oxygen concentrators,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. “Demand is currently outstripping supply.” WHO has bought nearly 14,000 oxygen concentrators from manufacturers and aims to supply them to 120 countries in coming weeks. The organisation also plans to get additional 170,000 concentrators – worth about US$100m – in the next six months. Also read| COVID-19: US records highest single day spike; California, Texas among states worst-hit The warning was issued as many countries such as India, the US, Brazil, among others, ave been reporting record high daily spike in number of positive cases. The WHO also expressed concern over the sudden increase of 25-50 per cent cases in a week in the Latin American countries. The experts have predicted that the death toll in Latin America is expected to skyrocket to 390,000 by October. “I would characterise the situation in the Americas in general as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and continued deaths,” said the head of the WHO emergencies programme, Dr Mike Ryan. India, today, reported 16,922 cases. Brazil reported 42,725 cases and the US reported 35,900 cases. The world tally stands at around 9.39 million cases, including more than 481,000 deaths and almost 4.72 million recovered patients. (With inputs from agencies)

COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million

The World Health Organization on Friday warned of a "new and dangerous phase" of the coronavirus pandemic, as infections continued to surge in the Americas, with Brazil registering more than one million cases.

The World Health Organization on Friday warned of a "new and dangerous phase" of the coronavirus pandemic, as infections continued to surge in the Americas, with Brazil registering more than one million cases. Colombia and Mexico also passed bleak milestones, as their death tolls topped 2,000 and 20,000, respectively, showing how the virus continues ravaging the Americas and parts of Asia even as Europe starts to ease out of lockdown. The measures imposed to halt the spread of the disease have caused crippling economic damage, but the WHO warned against giving in to isolation fatigue. Also read: WHO says 'hypothesis' about cause of China's latest virus outbreak needs further testing "The world is in a new and dangerous phase. Many people are understandably fed up with being at home... but the virus is still spreading fast," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual press conference. The virus has now killed more than 458,000 people and infected 8.6 million worldwide. The vaccine remains months off at best despite several trials, and scientists are still making daily discoveries about the virus, its symptoms and the extent to which it may have spread before being identified. (With inputs from AFP)

WHO warns of 'new and dangerous phase' of coronavirus pandemic

World Health Organization(WHO) head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the "UK government, the University of Oxford, and the many hospitals and patients in the UK who have contributed to this lifesaving scientific breakthrough" after initial results showed dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, could be used as a life saving drug for patients who are critically ill with coronavirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-breakthrough-british-scientists-find-a-drug-that-cuts-covid-19-death-rate-306304">Also Read:&nbsp;British scientists find a drug that cuts COVID-19 death rate</a>

WHO said Dexamethasone is a steroid that has been used since the 1960s to reduce inflammation in a range of conditions, including inflammatory disorders and certain cancers.&nbsp;

"It has been listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines since 1977 in multiple formulations," it added.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-dexamethasone-a-breakthrough-in-coronavirus-fight-306367/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN health body said that researchers shared initial insights about dexamethasone results of the trial with WHO, and it will look at the full data analysis in the coming days.

For patients on ventilators, the treatment was shown to reduce mortality by about one third, and for patients requiring only oxygen, mortality was cut by about one fifth, according to preliminary findings shared with WHO.

Meanwhile, the British government said it would administer the drug to seriously ill COVID-19 patients immediately.

The University of Oxford researchers had administered the steroid dexamethasone to over 2,000 severely ill coronavirus patients during the trial.

The breakthrough comes amid reports of a second wave in Beijing and the United States with millions still infected with the virus globally.

The virus has already claimed 436,813 lives and infected over 8 million people worldwide with Latin America becoming the latest hotspot even as the death toll in the US continues to climb.

World Health Organization(WHO) head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the "UK government, the University of Oxford, and the many hospitals and patients in the UK who have contributed to this lifesaving scientific breakthrough" after initial results showed dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, could be used as a life saving drug for patients who are critically ill with coronavirus.

World Health Organization(WHO) head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the "UK government, the University of Oxford, and the many hospitals and patients in the UK who have contributed to this lifesaving scientific breakthrough" after initial results showed dexamethasone, a corticosteroid, could be used as a life saving drug for patients who are critically ill with coronavirus. Also Read: British scientists find a drug that cuts COVID-19 death rate WHO said Dexamethasone is a steroid that has been used since the 1960s to reduce inflammation in a range of conditions, including inflammatory disorders and certain cancers. "It has been listed on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines since 1977 in multiple formulations," it added. Watch: The UN health body said that researchers shared initial insights about dexamethasone results of the trial with WHO, and it will look at the full data analysis in the coming days. For patients on ventilators, the treatment was shown to reduce mortality by about one third, and for patients requiring only oxygen, mortality was cut by about one fifth, according to preliminary findings shared with WHO. Meanwhile, the British government said it would administer the drug to seriously ill COVID-19 patients immediately. The University of Oxford researchers had administered the steroid dexamethasone to over 2,000 severely ill coronavirus patients during the trial. The breakthrough comes amid reports of a second wave in Beijing and the United States with millions still infected with the virus globally. The virus has already claimed 436,813 lives and infected over 8 million people worldwide with Latin America becoming the latest hotspot even as the death toll in the US continues to climb.

After breakthrough, UK to begin administering steroid dexamethasone to COVID-19 patients

The cases of coronavirus were reported in China's capital Beijing in the past five days, health authorities said the virus was detected on "chopping boards" used to handle imported salmon at Xinfadi market. However, China's CDC has now confirmed that their is no evidence for this theory.

Inside Xinfadi | China's largest market | Market at centre of Beijing's 2nd COVID-19 wave

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