The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Sunday, with the total rising by 183,020 in a 24-hour period, according to news agency Reuters.

The World Health Organization reported a record increase in global coronavirus cases on Sunday, with the total rising by 183,020 in a 24-hour period, according to news agency Reuters. The biggest increase was from North and South America with over 116,000 new cases, according to a daily report. Total global cases are over 8.7 million with more than 461,000 deaths, according to the WHO. The previous record for new cases was 181,232 on June 18. (With inputs from Reuters)

WHO reports record daily increase in global coronavirus cases

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that testing of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit.

WHO expert Ana Maria Henao-Restrepo said investigators leading the so-called Solidarity Trial testing the drug, which had been promoted by US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, had reviewed recent evidence and decided to stop recruiting new patients.

"After deliberation, they have concluded that the hydroxychloroquine arm will be stopped from the Solidarity Trial," Henao-Restrepo told a media briefing.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-withdraws-emergency-authorization-of-hydroxychloroquine-chloroquine-for-coronavirus-patients-306159">US withdraws emergency authorization of hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine for coronavirus patients</a>

In a statement issued later on Wednesday, the WHO said the decision was based on evidence from the Solidarity Trial itself, as well as from a UK-led trial that had found the drug did not help COVID-19 patients, and from a review of other evidence on hydroxychloroquine.

Data from those studies "showed that hydroxychloroquine does not result in the reduction of mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients," the WHO statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-temporarily-suspends-trial-of-hydroxychloroquine-as-covid-19-treatment-301021">WHO temporarily suspends trial of hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatment</a>

It said Solidarity Trial investigators would not add any more patients to the hydroxychloroquine arm.

But it added: "Patients who had already started hydroxychloroquine but who have not yet finished their course in the trial may complete their course or stop at the discretion of the supervising physician."

Data from a UK-led clinical trial known as the Recovery trial found last week that the anti-malaria drug showed no benefit for patients with COVID-19.

The US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration on Monday revoked its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, saying it was no longer reasonable to believe that hydroxychloroquine and the related drug chloroquine would be effective in treating the disease.

(With input from Reuters)

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that testing of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that testing of the malaria drug hydroxychloroquine in its large multi-country trial of treatments for COVID-19 patients had been halted after new data and studies showed no benefit. WHO expert Ana Maria Henao-Restrepo said investigators leading the so-called Solidarity Trial testing the drug, which had been promoted by US President Donald Trump, had reviewed recent evidence and decided to stop recruiting new patients. "After deliberation, they have concluded that the hydroxychloroquine arm will be stopped from the Solidarity Trial," Henao-Restrepo told a media briefing. Also read: US withdraws emergency authorization of hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine for coronavirus patients In a statement issued later on Wednesday, the WHO said the decision was based on evidence from the Solidarity Trial itself, as well as from a UK-led trial that had found the drug did not help COVID-19 patients, and from a review of other evidence on hydroxychloroquine. Data from those studies "showed that hydroxychloroquine does not result in the reduction of mortality of hospitalized COVID-19 patients," the WHO statement said. Also read: WHO temporarily suspends trial of hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 treatment It said Solidarity Trial investigators would not add any more patients to the hydroxychloroquine arm. But it added: "Patients who had already started hydroxychloroquine but who have not yet finished their course in the trial may complete their course or stop at the discretion of the supervising physician." Data from a UK-led clinical trial known as the Recovery trial found last week that the anti-malaria drug showed no benefit for patients with COVID-19. The US Food and Drug Administration on Monday revoked its emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19, saying it was no longer reasonable to believe that hydroxychloroquine and the related drug chloroquine would be effective in treating the disease. (With input from Reuters)

WHO halts hydroxychloroquine trial for COVID-19 over lack of 'proven benefit'

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is turning out to be a big disappointment -- as it keeps flip-flopping on its statements despite being the global standard of health and health-related guidelines.

A top WHO official on Tuesday clarified her remarks that transmission of the new coronavirus from asymptomatic carriers was "very rare", citing a "misunderstanding".

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's COVID-19 technical lead, had said that on the basis of studies carried out in several countries, transmission of the virus by an asymptomatic person seemed "very rare".

"We have a number of reports from countries who are doing very detailed contact tracing. They're following asymptomatic cases, they're following contacts and they're not finding secondary transmission onward. It's very rare," she told a virtual press conference on Monday.

Her remarks, which were widely relayed on social media networks, sparked a reaction from part of the scientific community.

"Contrary to what the WHO announced, it is not scientifically possible to affirm that asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2 are not very infectious," an expert said.

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Another said she was quite surprised.

To this end, Van Kerkhove later posted on Twitter a WHO summary on transmission.

"Comprehensive studies on transmission from asymptomatic individuals are difficult to conduct, but the available evidence from contact tracing reported by member states suggests that asymptomatically-infected individuals are much less likely to transmit the virus than those who develop symptoms," it said.

And again, during a discussion rebroadcast Tuesday on the WHO's Twitter account, Van Kerkhove said she wanted to clarify a misunderstanding.

"I was referring to very few studies, some two or three", and answering a question.

"I was not stating a policy of WHO," she said.

"I used the phrase 'very rare', and I think that is a misunderstanding to state that asymptomatic transmission globally is very rare. What I was referring to was the subset of studies," she added.

The point we stress here is not the mistake; but its gravity.

The world needs to understand the risks asymptomatic cases pose.

And this is not the first time the WHO has retraced a statement.

When it was first asked about the necessity of masks, it refuted they were of any importance. But five months and 7 million cases later, it decided masks were mandatory for survival.

In a nutshell, a confusion like this in the middle of a pandemic is not a good sign. Remember, the virus is still spreading.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is turning out to be a big disappointment -- as it keeps flip-flopping on its statements despite being the global standard of health and health-related guidelines.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is turning out to be a big disappointment -- as it keeps flip-flopping on its statements despite being the global standard of health and health-related guidelines. A top WHO official on Tuesday clarified her remarks that transmission of the new coronavirus from asymptomatic carriers was "very rare", citing a "misunderstanding". Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's COVID-19 technical lead, had said that on the basis of studies carried out in several countries, transmission of the virus by an asymptomatic person seemed "very rare". "We have a number of reports from countries who are doing very detailed contact tracing. They're following asymptomatic cases, they're following contacts and they're not finding secondary transmission onward. It's very rare," she told a virtual press conference on Monday. Her remarks, which were widely relayed on social media networks, sparked a reaction from part of the scientific community. "Contrary to what the WHO announced, it is not scientifically possible to affirm that asymptomatic carriers of SARS-CoV-2 are not very infectious," an expert said. Another said she was quite surprised. To this end, Van Kerkhove later posted on Twitter a WHO summary on transmission. "Comprehensive studies on transmission from asymptomatic individuals are difficult to conduct, but the available evidence from contact tracing reported by member states suggests that asymptomatically-infected individuals are much less likely to transmit the virus than those who develop symptoms," it said. And again, during a discussion rebroadcast Tuesday on the WHO's Twitter account, Van Kerkhove said she wanted to clarify a misunderstanding. "I was referring to very few studies, some two or three", and answering a question. "I was not stating a policy of WHO," she said. "I used the phrase 'very rare', and I think that is a misunderstanding to state that asymptomatic transmission globally is very rare. What I was referring to was the subset of studies," she added. The point we stress here is not the mistake; but its gravity. The world needs to understand the risks asymptomatic cases pose. And this is not the first time the WHO has retraced a statement. When it was first asked about the necessity of masks, it refuted they were of any importance. But five months and 7 million cases later, it decided masks were mandatory for survival. In a nutshell, a confusion like this in the middle of a pandemic is not a good sign. Remember, the virus is still spreading.

Confusion in the times of coronavirus: WHO is a poor example to follow

The World Health Organisation has said that it is studying a possible link between COVID-19 and illness similar to Kawasaki disease that has sickened and killed children in Europe and the US. Watch report.

WHO: Children at risk from illness linked to COVID-19

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that as many as 6,194,533 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally as India's tally surpassed 2 lakh cases.

As many as 113,198 numbers of cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the report.&nbsp;

Further<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-warns-of-second-wave-of-covid-19-as-global-cases-near-55-million-301123"> 4,242 virus-related deaths</a> were reported during the same period, according to the WHO tally.

The United States has the most number of cases with 2.9 million people contracting the infection and more than 1,63,000 people have succumbed to the disease so far.

Europe has the world's highest death toll of more than 182,000, with 2.1 million cases confirmed.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, African countries have seen a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-reveals-collective-negligence-by-china-and-who-in-dealing-with-the-coronavirus-pandemic-302695">surge in cases </a>lately with 108,121 cases and 2,700 virus-related deaths.

The global health body declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11.

(With inputs from ANI)

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that as many as 6,194,533 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally as India's tally surpassed 2 lakh cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said that as many as 6,194,533 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally as India's tally surpassed 2 lakh cases. As many as 113,198 numbers of cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to the report. Further 4,242 virus-related deaths were reported during the same period, according to the WHO tally. The United States has the most number of cases with 2.9 million people contracting the infection and more than 1,63,000 people have succumbed to the disease so far. Europe has the world's highest death toll of more than 182,000, with 2.1 million cases confirmed. Meanwhile, African countries have seen a surge in cases lately with 108,121 cases and 2,700 virus-related deaths. The global health body declared the outbreak a pandemic on March 11. (With inputs from ANI)

WHO says global coronavirus tally nears 6.2 million with most number of cases in US

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

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

Brazil still backs hydroxychloroquine despite the suspension of trials of the drug by the World Health Organisation. Watch report.

Brazil stands by hydroxychloroquine: Questions the lancet study of HCQ

While WHO is the wing of the United Nations, there is a subtle difference between the functioning style of WHO and expectations from it.

The UN is essentially a politically tinted organisation with membership for some countries being denied in the UN due to political reasons. For example, Taiwan is not a member of UN since China claims that Taiwan is part of China and it would seriously object if Taiwan would be given the membership of the UN.

Obviously, membership of the UN is being denied to some countries in view of the objections from the “powerful country”.

Several decades back, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan. After the bitter war, Bangladesh declared itself to be an independent country and was admitted as a member of the UN. Pakistan could not prevent Bangladesh from becoming a full-fledged member of the UN &nbsp;since Pakistan is a “weak country”. Later on, Pakistan itself recognised Bangladesh as a matter of inevitability.

While Taiwan has been denied membership of the UN due to objection from mainland China, almost every country in the world has trade and business relations with Taiwan including the Chinese government. Many industries from Taiwan have invested in mainland China and the Chinese government has no objection to it.

This situation shows that Taiwan has been accepted as a full-fledged country all over the world, though the UN denied membership to it.

WHO is founded with the objective of protecting the health of the world community, covering all citizens of the world. Therefore, WHO should represent the interest of every member of the world community, whether the community belongs to a country admitted in UN or not or even stateless persons.

For example, WHO is extremely concerned about the health issues of Rohingya refugees, though they are deemed to be stateless persons as of now, as they are refugees who have run out of Myanmar and staying in Bangladesh territory, without anyone knowing as to whether they would go back to Myanmar at any time or would permanently stay in Bangladesh, even without being given citizenship in Bangladesh, which means that they should be deemed as stateless persons.

When WHO expresses concern about the health issues of Myanmar refugees, is it right for WHO &nbsp;to keep its eyes closed with regard to Taiwan?

As a world organisation, it is the responsibility of WHO to monitor the health of world community, WHO cannot deny admission to any country in the world and it should not follow the practice of UN, &nbsp;which is a politically tinted organisation.

WHO should not buckle under the pressure of the Chinese government to keep Taiwan out.&nbsp;

At present, Taiwan is a well-advanced country with a strong technology background and it is very well evident from the fact that Taiwan pointed out the impending COVID 19 crisis quite early and brought it to the attention of &nbsp;WHO. If WHO had listened to Taiwan’s voice and heeded to it’s warning about the COVID 19, probably, the world could have been saved from the loss of thousands of lives and serious economic slow down that is confronting the world due to COVID 19 at present.

Whatever may be the political relationship between the Chinese government and Taiwan, there is no need for WHO to take note of it or being concerned about it.

WHO has the responsibility to protect the health interests of the entire world community and the citizens of Taiwan are part of the world community. 
&nbsp;

While WHO is the wing of the United Nations, there is a subtle difference between the functioning style of WHO and expectations from it. The UN is essentially a politically tinted organisation with membership for some countries being denied in the UN due to political reasons.

While WHO is the wing of the United Nations, there is a subtle difference between the functioning style of WHO and expectations from it. The UN is essentially a politically tinted organisation with membership for some countries being denied in the UN due to political reasons. For example, Taiwan is not a member of UN since China claims that Taiwan is part of China and it would seriously object if Taiwan would be given the membership of the UN. Obviously, membership of the UN is being denied to some countries in view of the objections from the “powerful country”. Several decades back, Bangladesh was part of Pakistan. After the bitter war, Bangladesh declared itself to be an independent country and was admitted as a member of the UN. Pakistan could not prevent Bangladesh from becoming a full-fledged member of the UN since Pakistan is a “weak country”. Later on, Pakistan itself recognised Bangladesh as a matter of inevitability. While Taiwan has been denied membership of the UN due to objection from mainland China, almost every country in the world has trade and business relations with Taiwan including the Chinese government. Many industries from Taiwan have invested in mainland China and the Chinese government has no objection to it. This situation shows that Taiwan has been accepted as a full-fledged country all over the world, though the UN denied membership to it. WHO is founded with the objective of protecting the health of the world community, covering all citizens of the world. Therefore, WHO should represent the interest of every member of the world community, whether the community belongs to a country admitted in UN or not or even stateless persons. For example, WHO is extremely concerned about the health issues of Rohingya refugees, though they are deemed to be stateless persons as of now, as they are refugees who have run out of Myanmar and staying in Bangladesh territory, without anyone knowing as to whether they would go back to Myanmar at any time or would permanently stay in Bangladesh, even without being given citizenship in Bangladesh, which means that they should be deemed as stateless persons. When WHO expresses concern about the health issues of Myanmar refugees, is it right for WHO to keep its eyes closed with regard to Taiwan? As a world organisation, it is the responsibility of WHO to monitor the health of world community, WHO cannot deny admission to any country in the world and it should not follow the practice of UN, which is a politically tinted organisation. WHO should not buckle under the pressure of the Chinese government to keep Taiwan out. At present, Taiwan is a well-advanced country with a strong technology background and it is very well evident from the fact that Taiwan pointed out the impending COVID 19 crisis quite early and brought it to the attention of WHO. If WHO had listened to Taiwan’s voice and heeded to it’s warning about the COVID 19, probably, the world could have been saved from the loss of thousands of lives and serious economic slow down that is confronting the world due to COVID 19 at present. Whatever may be the political relationship between the Chinese government and Taiwan, there is no need for WHO to take note of it or being concerned about it. WHO has the responsibility to protect the health interests of the entire world community and the citizens of Taiwan are part of the world community.

By excluding Taiwan, WHO remains a flawed organisation

Why was Taiwan not on the agenda of the World Health Assembly? Two days ago, Taiwan's Foreign Minister said that his country is postponing its bid for an observer status at the WHO. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you what could have led to that decision.

Gravitas: Why no seat for Taiwan at WHO

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

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

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

US President Donald Trump threatens to permanently pull funding from WHO

President Donald Trump attacked the United Nations health body as a Chinese "puppet" on Monday and confirmed he is considering slashing or cancelling US support.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-initiate-independent-evaluation-at-earliest-appropriate-moment-who-chief-on-coronavirus-pandemic-299468">Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment — WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
"They're a puppet of China, they're China-centric to put it nicer," he said at the White House.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-always-transparent-about-coronavirus-says-president-xi-during-world-health-assembly-video-conference-299439">Also Read:&nbsp;China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi during video conference</a>

Trump said the United States pays around $450 million annually to the World Health Organization, the largest contribution of any country. Plans are being crafted to slash this because "we're not treated right."

"They gave us a lot of bad advice," he said of the WHO.

Trump spoke as the WHO held its first annual assembly since the pandemic swept the world after originating in China, causing massive economic disruption and killing 316,000 people -- close to a third of them in the United States.

Trump said China only pays about $40 million a year and one idea was for Washington to bring "our 450 down to 40," but "some people thought that was too much."

President Donald Trump attacked the United Nations health body as a Chinese "puppet" on Monday and confirmed he is considering slashing or cancelling US support.

President Donald Trump attacked the United Nations health body as a Chinese "puppet" on Monday and confirmed he is considering slashing or cancelling US support. Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment — WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic "They're a puppet of China, they're China-centric to put it nicer," he said at the White House. Also Read: China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi during video conference Trump said the United States pays around $450 million annually to the World Health Organization, the largest contribution of any country. Plans are being crafted to slash this because "we're not treated right." "They gave us a lot of bad advice," he said of the WHO. Trump spoke as the WHO held its first annual assembly since the pandemic swept the world after originating in China, causing massive economic disruption and killing 316,000 people -- close to a third of them in the United States. Trump said China only pays about $40 million a year and one idea was for Washington to bring "our 450 down to 40," but "some people thought that was too much."

World Health Organisation a 'puppet of China', Trump says as he mulls slashing US funding

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum&nbsp;scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation.&nbsp;

In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN.

What has changed Now?&nbsp;

Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder&nbsp;of &nbsp;‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy.&nbsp;

Global politics over health Issue&nbsp;

In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence.&nbsp;

Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition.&nbsp;

What should India do?&nbsp;

India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19.

Likely outcome&nbsp;

Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence.&nbsp;It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future.&nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them.

Coronavirus pandemic has forced the world to revisit its position on many global issues, and participation of Taiwan in the World Health Assembly (WHA) forum scheduled next week, is one of them. WHA is the world's highest health policy-setting body, through which the World Health Organisation (WHO) is governed by its 194 member states. The main task of the WHA is to decide on main international policy frameworks related to global health, approve WHO work programmes and its budget, and pass international health resolutions. Its tasks, especially at the time of the pandemic, indicate that it has to globally inclusive; hence cannot be seen to be isolating a particular segment of humanity from its programmes and participation. In the context of the above, Taiwan was invited on 28 April 2009 to participate in the WHA 2009 as an observer for the first time since losing its China seat in United Nations to People's Republic of China in 1971, despite ‘One China Policy’. In 2016, subsequent to democratic elections in Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen of DPP was sworn in as President. China was utterly uncomfortable with that applied political pressure on WHA. In May 2017, WHA succumbed to Chinese pressure to completely exclude Taiwan from its observer list. It was poor precedence in the history of WHA/UN. What has changed Now? Taiwan's success in combatting COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in global perception and US-led demand, supported by many nations for reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, despite China's reminder of ‘One-China’ policy. Taiwan just off the coast of China was predicted to have the second-highest 'importation risk' by any country with over 850,000 of its citizens residing and working in mainland China undergoing frequent travels. Considering the risk, having only 440 cases with seven deaths so far is creditable. Its success is attributed to early action by National Health Command Center (NHCC) established after the SARS outbreak, including border control (air and sea), efficient management of pandemic, resources, technological innovations and many other best practices, relevant for the world community. It has also dented Chinese narrative that an autocratic regime can handle the pandemic better than democracy. This has led to many countries expanding ties with Taiwan to bolster their own COVID-19 responses and recalibration of their Taiwan policy. Global politics over health Issue In March 2020, the US administration enacted Taiwan Allies International Protection and Enhancement Initiative Act (TAIPEI Act), aimed at supporting Taiwan’s international presence. US is backing Taiwan’s “appropriate role” in the WHO, along with Japan, New Zealand, UK, Canada, Australia, France, many European and developing countries. Many countries are thankful to Taiwan for grant of much-needed resource assistance in combating pandemic, while many are collaborating in research and development, contact-tracing, and scientific engagements. This has further angered China, which is being increasingly seen as exploiting other countries during pandemic, by coercive adventurism in the strategic and military domain, besides profiteering out of pandemic. Many countries are also looking at WHA for consensus on asking for investigations regarding various aspects of the outbreak of COVID-19, delayed warnings, alleged slackness of WHO in a timely declaration of pandemic and ignoring Taiwan’s inputs, to prevent global reoccurrence. Taiwan has own reasons to demand international participation, as a democratic society, having elected government, own constitution, own defence forces, own currency, strong economy with a population exceeding more than three-quarters of the world’s nations; and territory larger than two-fifths of the world’s nations. A recent survey has indicated that most Taiwanese want to identify themselves as Taiwanese and not Chinese and support closer ties with the US. A global consensus seems to be emerging for Taiwan’s access to the WHO and other multilateral agencies, much against Chinese opposition. What should India do? India, ready to take over as the chairperson of the WHO’s executive decision making body at the end of May, needs to take a stand on whether to support the US-led multinational demand of reinstating Taiwan’s observer status at the WHA, or listen to Chinese argument of ‘One China Policy’. Taiwan is an important partner in the global fight against the pandemic, besides being an important potential commercial and technological investor. Its donation of about one million surgical masks to help India during pandemic should not be ignored. Strategically, most strategic partners/Quad members seem convinced about Taiwan’s re-entry into WHA, a fact which India cannot overlook. In my opinion, India must set aside global politics and take a moral position for Taiwan to be in WHA to share its best practices, in view of the unprecedented global pandemic requiring entire humanity to be together to combat COVID-19. Likely outcome Despite all the efforts of the global community for Taiwan’s reentry as an observer in WHA, it may still not materialise due to technical reasons, as WHO could insist on approval from all its 194 members, before it can send out an invitation to Taiwan, which may not be possible. The demand for medical investigation might remain restricted to ‘Investigation by WHO’, which is unlikely to yield any result because of the high possibility of destruction of evidence. It will, therefore, build up a strong case in support of Taiwan by the global community, thereby putting pressure on China for the future. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why does India need to back Taiwan’s reentry to the World Health Assembly?

Countries across the world are now carrying massive disinfection drive and are developing disinfection chambers to fight Coronavirus. However, the World Health Organisation does not agree with this drive. Watch report.

Countries carry out disinfection drive: WHO issues warnings against disinfection

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status.

The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-indias-support-for-taiwans-who-membership-can-rattle-china-298744">Also read:&nbsp;How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China</a>

Why is Taiwan shut out?

Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China.

The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary.

It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsmc-plans-to-build-chip-plant-in-arizona-amid-us-china-rivalry-298838">Also read:&nbsp;Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry</a>

Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign.

Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei".

At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China".

Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse.

In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections.

Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter?

Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus.

"No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday.

"The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added.

Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO.

This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China.

What does the WHO say?

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing.

He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure.

WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings.

Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general.

It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island.

The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not.

Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely.

Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific.

Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated.

But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing.

And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic.

In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA.

That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers.

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on Taiwan's exclusion from the World Health Organization and ignited a diplomatic row between China and some Western powers. Led by the United States, a growing number of countries are calling for Taiwan to either be allowed into the WHO, or be given observer status. The spat is likely to worsen at next week's World Health Assembly -- the WHO's annual policy making meeting -- which is gathering virtually because of the virus outbreak. Also read: How India's support for Taiwan's WHO membership can rattle China Why is Taiwan shut out? Taiwan -- officially the Republic of China -- was a founding member of the WHO when the global health body was created in 1948. But it was expelled in 1972 a year after losing the "China" seat at the United Nations to the People's Republic of China. The two sides have been ruled separately since 1949 after the Nationalists lost a civil war to the Communists and fled to Taiwan to set up a rival government. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has vowed to one day seize it, by force if necessary. It balks at any international recognition of Taiwan as a sovereign nation and in recent years has ramped up economic, diplomatic and military pressure on the island. Also read: Taiwan's TSMC plans to build chip plant in Arizona amid US-China rivalry Keeping it shut out of international bodies like the WHO is part of that campaign. Was it always this way? No. Between 2009 and 2016 Beijing allowed Taiwan to attend the WHA as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei". At the time, relations between Taipei and Beijing were warmer. Things turned frosty with the election of current president Tsai Ing-wen in 2016. She hails from a party that views Taiwan as a de facto independent nation and doesn't subscribe to Beijing's idea that it belongs to a "one China". Taipei found little diplomatic support for its calls to be included but the coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed that. China has found itself scrutinised for its initial response to the outbreak and allegations its authoritarian government made the global spread worse. In contrast, democratic Taiwan has been praised as a model for how to handle the outbreak -- with only seven deaths and 433 infections. Why does Taiwan's exclusion matter? Taiwan and its supporters argue it is unfair to exclude 23 million Taiwanese from the world's health body, especially during such a huge health crisis. They also say global leaders and doctors could learn from the island's expertise in combating the virus. "No one should be treated as an orphan in the health network that the WHA should look after," Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen, a US-trained epidemiologist, told reporters on Thursday. "The WHO attaches too much importance to politics and forgets about its professionalism and neutrality," he added. Taiwan's exclusion has also raised questions about Beijing's influence over the WHO. This week the Trump administration accused the WHO of opting to "choose politics over public health" by being overly deferential to China. What does the WHO say? WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said Taiwan's participation can only be decided by member states with the consent of "the relevant government" -- a reference to Beijing. He rejects the notion that the body has been too deferential to Beijing under his tenure. WHO officials say they are in regular contact with Taiwan and that Taiwanese officials are often included in technical meetings. Taiwan has countered that it was previously invited to attend the WHA "at the discretion" of the then director general. It says Tedros has a public health obligation to stand up to Beijing's blacklisting of the island. The WHO later said an invite can be given by Tedros if a consensus existed between member states, which it does not. Will Taiwan have its way? It's highly unlikely. Only 15 nations still recognise Taiwan over China, most of them economic minnows in Latin America and the Pacific. Few of the 194 countries within the WHO will want to stoke Beijing's anger -- a 2007 bid by Taiwan to seek membership was comprehensively defeated. But any recognition of Taiwan's de facto sovereign nation status is seen as a win for Taipei and a blow for Beijing. And it is here that Taiwan has seen significant success during the coronavirus pandemic. In the last few weeks Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand have joined the US in publicly calling for Taiwan to be given observer status at the WHA. That has infuriated Beijing. It has accused Western governments of using Taiwan as a wedge issue to distract from their own shortcomings in fighting the outbreak.

Explainer: Why is Taiwan excluded from the WHO

The World Health Organisation has warned that coronavirus may never go away and the people will have to learn to live with it.

WHO: Coronavirus may never go away

As various countries are ready to resume their daily lives and save the crippling economy, World Health Organization has said that the coronavirus is here to stay.

"This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities and this virus may never go away," Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergencies director,&nbsp;told a virtual press conference in Geneva.

"HIV has not gone away -- but we have come to terms with the virus," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-coronavirus-takes-more-than-294000-lives-worldwide-298523/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-putting-nations-at-risk-by-excluding-taiwan-from-knowledge-sharing-us-report-298412">Also read:&nbsp;WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report</a>

The virus, which has infected more than 4.2 million people globally, is something that the humans might have to learn to live with. Due to the spread of coronavirus, a lot of countries were out under lockdown. However, as the economies suffered and took a great fall, some countries are now hoping to lift the lockdown and save their economy.

However, WHO says there is no guarantee whether lifting the lockdown will start a fresh wave of coronavirus or not.&nbsp;As the risks are high, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus&nbsp;still wants countries to be on a high alert against the virus.

Ryan also expressed concern over the growing violent attacks on the healthcare workers. "COVID-19 is bringing out the best in us, but it's also bringing out some of the worst. People feel empowered to take out their frustrations on individuals who are purely trying to help. These are senseless acts of violence and discrimination that must be resisted," he said

As various countries are ready to resume their daily lives and save the crippling economy, World Health Organization has said that the coronavirus is here to stay.

As various countries are ready to resume their daily lives and save the crippling economy, World Health Organization has said that the coronavirus is here to stay. "This virus may become just another endemic virus in our communities and this virus may never go away," Michael Ryan, the WHO's emergencies director, told a virtual press conference in Geneva. "HIV has not gone away -- but we have come to terms with the virus," he added. Also read: WHO putting nations at risk by excluding Taiwan from knowledge sharing: US report The virus, which has infected more than 4.2 million people globally, is something that the humans might have to learn to live with. Due to the spread of coronavirus, a lot of countries were out under lockdown. However, as the economies suffered and took a great fall, some countries are now hoping to lift the lockdown and save their economy. However, WHO says there is no guarantee whether lifting the lockdown will start a fresh wave of coronavirus or not. As the risks are high, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus still wants countries to be on a high alert against the virus. Ryan also expressed concern over the growing violent attacks on the healthcare workers. "COVID-19 is bringing out the best in us, but it's also bringing out some of the worst. People feel empowered to take out their frustrations on individuals who are purely trying to help. These are senseless acts of violence and discrimination that must be resisted," he said

Just like HIV, coronavirus may never go away: WHO expert warns

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections.

The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-president-xi-spoke-to-who-chief-tedros-on-delaying-coronavirus-warning-298045">Also read:&nbsp;China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning</a>

Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health.

"Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei.

"The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable."

While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-becomes-a-worry-in-indonesia-after-dead-indonesian-crew-thrown-in-sea-state-intel-website-hacked-298629">Also read:&nbsp;China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked</a>

"On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000.

Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. 
He wished China well in its fight, however.

"Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week.

Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China.

There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added.

The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing.

Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has "forgotten" its professionalism and neutrality in locking Taiwan out of the body for political reasons, Taiwan Vice President Chen Chien-jen said on Thursday. Taiwan says China and the WHO have conspired for political purposes to keep it out of key meetings, that the WHO has not responded to requests for coronavirus information and has misreported the number of its infections. The WHO and China have strongly dispute the accusations, saying Taiwan has been given all the help it needed, but that only China, which claims democratic Taiwan as one of its provinces, has the right to fully represent it in the WHO. Also read: China denies President Xi spoke to WHO chief Tedros on delaying coronavirus warning Chen, a U.S.-trained epidemiologist, said the WHO had been putting politics above health. "Unfortunately, because of political reasons, Taiwan`s 23 million people have become orphans in the global health system," he told reporters at the presidential office in Taipei. "The WHO pays too much attention to politics and has forgotten their professionalism and neutrality. This is quite regrettable." While the WHO has done good work and contributed to world health in the past, its record on the virus has not been as good, Chen added. Also read: China becomes a worry in Indonesia after dead Indonesian crew thrown in sea; state intel website hacked "On the Wuhan pneumonia, we mostly criticise them for acting too slowly," he said, referring to the central Chinese city where the virus first emerged late last year, before spreading worldwide to infect 4.3 million people and kill 295,000. Chen, who was Taiwan`s health minister during the 2002-2003 SARS crisis, said the world needed to be cautious with China`s virus numbers, and urged Beijing to be more transparent. He wished China well in its fight, however. "Here I give my blessings to them and hope that they can contain the Wuhan pneumonia as early as possible and avoid a second wave," said Chen, who leaves office when President Tsai Ing-wen is sworn in for her second term next week. Taiwan has lobbied to attend next week's meeting of the WHO`s decision-making World Health Assembly as an observer, but China objects. In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Taiwan`s basis for participation in the WHO was damaged by the refusal of its ruling Democratic Progressive Party to recognise that the island is part of China. There is no legal basis for a "non-sovereign region" to participate as an observer, Zhao added. The United States has repeatedly clashed with China over its refusal to allow Taiwan full access to the body, helping to further fuel tension between Washington and Beijing. Taiwan`s tally of 440 virus infections and seven deaths is far lower than many of its neighbours, thanks to early and effective prevention work and an efficient public health system.

Taiwan says WHO has 'forgotten' neutrality by barring island

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended staff activity at its hubs in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, a directive seen by Reuters showed, in a move sources said aimed to pressure the group to be more transparent about suspected coronavirus cases.

War-ravaged Yemen is divided between the internationally recognised government temporarily based in the south and the Houthi movement that ousted it from power in the capital, Sanaa, in the north in late 2014.

The Saudi-backed government has so far reported 34 cases of the novel coronavirus with seven deaths in the territory it controls, while the Houthis, who control most large urban centres, have recorded just two cases with one death.

The WHO directive issued late on Saturday notified staff in Sanaa, in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, in the northern province of Saada and the central province of Ibb that "all movements, meetings or any other activity" for all staff in those areas were paused until further notice.

The WHO did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

Three sources told Reuters that the WHO had taken the measure to press the Houthi authorities to report results of tests for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus.

The Saudi-backed government has accused Houthi authorities of covering up an outbreak in Sanaa, a charge the group denies.

The WHO has said it fears COVID-19 could rip through Yemen as the population has some of the lowest levels of immunity to disease compared with other countries. Minimal testing capacity has added to concerns.

The five-year war between a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has shattered Yemen`s health system and left its population weakened by widespread hunger and disease.

Around 80% of the population, or 24 million people, rely on humanitarian aid and 10 million are at risk of starvation.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended staff activity at its hubs in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, a directive seen by Reuters showed, in a move sources said aimed to pressure the group to be more transparent about suspected coronavirus cases.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suspended staff activity at its hubs in Houthi-held areas of Yemen, a directive seen by Reuters showed, in a move sources said aimed to pressure the group to be more transparent about suspected coronavirus cases. War-ravaged Yemen is divided between the internationally recognised government temporarily based in the south and the Houthi movement that ousted it from power in the capital, Sanaa, in the north in late 2014. The Saudi-backed government has so far reported 34 cases of the novel coronavirus with seven deaths in the territory it controls, while the Houthis, who control most large urban centres, have recorded just two cases with one death. The WHO directive issued late on Saturday notified staff in Sanaa, in the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, in the northern province of Saada and the central province of Ibb that "all movements, meetings or any other activity" for all staff in those areas were paused until further notice. The WHO did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. Three sources told Reuters that the WHO had taken the measure to press the Houthi authorities to report results of tests for COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus. The Saudi-backed government has accused Houthi authorities of covering up an outbreak in Sanaa, a charge the group denies. The WHO has said it fears COVID-19 could rip through Yemen as the population has some of the lowest levels of immunity to disease compared with other countries. Minimal testing capacity has added to concerns. The five-year war between a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthi movement has shattered Yemen`s health system and left its population weakened by widespread hunger and disease. Around 80% of the population, or 24 million people, rely on humanitarian aid and 10 million are at risk of starvation.

WHO suspends staff activity in Yemen's Houthi-held areas

The coronavirus pandemic requires an unprecedented global response, and reducing the funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), is untimely, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a Russian news agency.

The coronavirus pandemic requires an unprecedented global response, and reducing the funding of the World Health Organization (WHO), is untimely, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told a Russian news agency. Guterres' remark comes at the backdrop US President Donald Trump`s decision to cut the funding to the health organisation over negligence, claiming that the UN health agency had impeded the global response to the pandemic. "Once we have finally turned the page on COVID-19, there will be time to look back fully and understand how such a disease emerged and spread its devastation so quickly across the globe, and how all those involved reacted to the crisis. The lessons learned will be essential to address similar challenges effectively, as they may arise in the future," Guterres said. UN chief further said that "now is not that time. Nor is it the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the WHO or any other humanitarian organization in the fight against the virus." He described the coronavirus pandemic as "unprecedented in our lifetime" and therefore requiring an "unprecedented response." "The World Health Organization is leading our response to the pandemic by supporting countries to prepare and to address the virus, with special attention to the most vulnerable countries," the UN chief said. (With inputs from ANI)

Reducing funding of WHO is untimely, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

Later this month, India will take a leadership role at the World Health Organisation. WION's Palki Sharma tells you 5 things India can do to reform the global health body.

Gravitas: 5 Things India can do to reform the WHO

The origin of the coronavirus has become a matter of intense debate. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked countries to retest samples from Dec and Jan to determine whether the transmission of the virus happened much before it came to the world's notice.

Did the COVID-19 virus spread long before detection?

WHO: Countries must retest older samples | COVID-19 Pandemic

Australia will push for an international investigation into the coronavirus pandemic at next month’s annual meeting of the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

China, Australia spar over COVID-19 probe: China responds with threat and insult

WHO's chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused countries of disregarding WHO's public health emergency warning on January 30. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: 'World should've listened to us' says WHO Chief

Anti-viral drug remdesivir which was being hailed as the cure for the novel coronavirus, has failed its first clinical test.

According to draft documents accidentally published by the World Health Organization,&nbsp;a Chinese trial showed that the drug did not improve patients' condition or reduce the pathogen's presence in the bloodstream.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/most-patients-hospitalised-with-covid-19-had-chronic-health-issues-says-study-294411" hreflang="en">Most patients hospitalised with COVID-19 had chronic health issues, says study</a>

It showed that researchers studied 237 patients, administering the drug to 158 and comparing their progress with the remaining 79, who received a placebo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harvard-professor-becomes-a-billionaire-from-stake-in-company-discovering-covid-19-vaccine-294398" hreflang="en">Harvard professor becomes a billionaire from stake in company discovering Covid-19 vaccine</a>

After a month, 13.9 per cent&nbsp;of the patients taking the drug had died compared to 12.8 per cent&nbsp;of those receiving the placebo.

The trial was stopped early because of side-effects.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-vaccine-trial-on-humans-starts-in-uk-294384" hreflang="en">COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK</a>

The&nbsp;summary of the documents which were later on removed stated, "remdesivir was not associated with clinical or virological benefits."&nbsp;

However, Gilead Sciences, the US firm which produces the drug,&nbsp;said the document had mischaracterised the study.

A spokesman for Gilead said, "the trial&nbsp;was terminated early due to low enrolment and was therefore not statistically meaningful.''

"As such, the study results are inconclusive, though trends in the data suggest a potential benefit for remdesivir, particularly among patients treated early in disease," he added.

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Anti-viral drug remdesivir which was being hailed as the cure for the novel coronavirus, has failed its first clinical test. According to draft documents accidentally published by the World Health Organization, a Chinese trial showed that the drug did not improve patients' condition or reduce the pathogen's presence in the bloodstream.

Anti-viral drug remdesivir which was being hailed as the cure for the novel coronavirus, has failed its first clinical test. According to draft documents accidentally published by the World Health Organization, a Chinese trial showed that the drug did not improve patients' condition or reduce the pathogen's presence in the bloodstream. Also read: Most patients hospitalised with COVID-19 had chronic health issues, says study It showed that researchers studied 237 patients, administering the drug to 158 and comparing their progress with the remaining 79, who received a placebo. Also read: Harvard professor becomes a billionaire from stake in company discovering Covid-19 vaccine After a month, 13.9 per cent of the patients taking the drug had died compared to 12.8 per cent of those receiving the placebo. The trial was stopped early because of side-effects. Also read: COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans starts in UK The summary of the documents which were later on removed stated, "remdesivir was not associated with clinical or virological benefits." However, Gilead Sciences, the US firm which produces the drug, said the document had mischaracterised the study. A spokesman for Gilead said, "the trial was terminated early due to low enrolment and was therefore not statistically meaningful.'' "As such, the study results are inconclusive, though trends in the data suggest a potential benefit for remdesivir, particularly among patients treated early in disease," he added.

Anti-viral drug being hailed as coronavirus cure, fails first clinical trial

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch a global initiative on Friday to accelerate work to fight COVID-19, the World Health Organization said, but the United States said it will not take part.

The WHO said late on Thursday it would to announce a "landmark collaboration" on Friday to speed development of safe, effective drugs, tests and vaccines to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/27-million-in-new-york-may-have-coronavirus-survey-suggests-294543">2.7 million in New York may have coronavirus, survey suggests</a>

WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a UN&nbsp;briefing on Friday that Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would take part in the 1300 GMT announcement, led by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

British foreign minister Dominic Raab and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were also to take part, diplomatic sources told Reuters.

"Today is a kind of political commitment from all these partners to make sure that when we have all these new tools no one is left behind, that those who can afford vaccines or therapeutics can buy them and (put) them at the disposal of the population," Chaib said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fake-meat-gains-popularity-as-china-recovers-from-coronavirus-pandemic-294559">'Fake' meat gains popularity as China recovers from coronavirus pandemic</a>

"It is very important to make sure that you have equitable access to quality, efficient, new tools for COVID-19," she said.

A spokesman for the US mission in Geneva told Reuters the United States would not take part.

"There will be no US official participation", he said in an email reply to a query. "We look forward to learning more about this initiative in support of international cooperation to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 as soon as possible."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicotine-to-help-fight-coronavirus-french-authorities-limit-sale-of-product-294565">Nicotine to help fight coronavirus? French authorities limit sale of product</a>

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump has lambasted the WHO as being slow to react to the outbreak and being "China-centric" and announced a suspension of funding.

Asked to confirm whether the United States was going to be participating at the meeting, a WHO source said: "No, but almost everyone else is."

Vaccine trials

More than 2.7 million people have been infected with the disease, which has claimed nearly 190,000 lives since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, according to a Reuters tally.

More than 100 potential COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, including six already in clinical trials, said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI vaccine alliance, a public-private partnership that leads immunisation campaigns in poor countries.

"We need to ensure that there are enough vaccines for everyone, we are going to need global leadership to identify and prioritise vaccine candidates," he told a separate Geneva news briefing before taking part in the formal WHO announcement.

Global manufacturing capacity must be ramped up ahead of choosing "a winner" vaccine, Berkley said, noting that GAVI and the World Bank were looking at the issue.

"We can't have a repeat of what happened in 2009, the H1N1 vaccine, when there was not enough supply for developing countries or when supply did come it came much later," he said.

Another important questions was how well a vaccine would work in people most at risk from COVID-19, Berkley said.

"How well do they work in the elderly, are they single or multiple dose etc?" he said, noting that older people had weaker immune systems.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch a global initiative on Friday to accelerate work to fight COVID-19, the World Health Organization said, but the United States said it will not take part.

French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will help launch a global initiative on Friday to accelerate work to fight COVID-19, the World Health Organization said, but the United States said it will not take part. The WHO said late on Thursday it would to announce a "landmark collaboration" on Friday to speed development of safe, effective drugs, tests and vaccines to prevent, diagnose and treat COVID-19. Also read: 2.7 million in New York may have coronavirus, survey suggests WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told a UN briefing on Friday that Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would take part in the 1300 GMT announcement, led by WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. British foreign minister Dominic Raab and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were also to take part, diplomatic sources told Reuters. "Today is a kind of political commitment from all these partners to make sure that when we have all these new tools no one is left behind, that those who can afford vaccines or therapeutics can buy them and (put) them at the disposal of the population," Chaib said. Also read: 'Fake' meat gains popularity as China recovers from coronavirus pandemic "It is very important to make sure that you have equitable access to quality, efficient, new tools for COVID-19," she said. A spokesman for the US mission in Geneva told Reuters the United States would not take part. "There will be no US official participation", he said in an email reply to a query. "We look forward to learning more about this initiative in support of international cooperation to develop a vaccine for COVID-19 as soon as possible." Also read: Nicotine to help fight coronavirus? French authorities limit sale of product US President Donald Trump has lambasted the WHO as being slow to react to the outbreak and being "China-centric" and announced a suspension of funding. Asked to confirm whether the United States was going to be participating at the meeting, a WHO source said: "No, but almost everyone else is." Vaccine trials More than 2.7 million people have been infected with the disease, which has claimed nearly 190,000 lives since emerging in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year, according to a Reuters tally. More than 100 potential COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, including six already in clinical trials, said Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of the GAVI vaccine alliance, a public-private partnership that leads immunisation campaigns in poor countries. "We need to ensure that there are enough vaccines for everyone, we are going to need global leadership to identify and prioritise vaccine candidates," he told a separate Geneva news briefing before taking part in the formal WHO announcement. Global manufacturing capacity must be ramped up ahead of choosing "a winner" vaccine, Berkley said, noting that GAVI and the World Bank were looking at the issue. "We can't have a repeat of what happened in 2009, the H1N1 vaccine, when there was not enough supply for developing countries or when supply did come it came much later," he said. Another important questions was how well a vaccine would work in people most at risk from COVID-19, Berkley said. "How well do they work in the elderly, are they single or multiple dose etc?" he said, noting that older people had weaker immune systems.

World leaders to launch WHO COVID-19 plan, but US won't take part

South Sudan has just four ventilators for its population of 12 million people as per the data has been revealed by&nbsp;the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

The country possesses&nbsp;merely&nbsp;four ventilators and 24 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds for its&nbsp;entire population.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/are-there-nations-untouched-by-coronavirus-check-this-out-290468">Are there nations untouched by coronavirus?</a>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Burkina Faso has 11 ventilators, Sierra Leone 13, while&nbsp;Central African Republic has 3&nbsp;ventilators for a population of 32 million, and 90 per cent&nbsp;of hospitals face shortages of medicine and critical supplies, the non-governmental organization says.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/struggle-fear-and-heartbreak-for-medical-staff-on-coronavirus-frontline-292571">Struggle, fear and heartbreak for medical staff on coronavirus frontline</a>

Covid-19&nbsp;cases have topped 2.2 million globally and countries around the world are scrambling to buy life-saving equipment&nbsp;as the pandemic places&nbsp;unprecedented demand on hospitals.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-81000-people-across-the-world-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-24-hours-293437">Over 81,000 people across the world test positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours</a>

With healthcare systems buckling under the pressure of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 155,000 people&nbsp;experts warn coronavirus could devastate the countries that lack healthcare equipment and infrastructure.

There are fewer than 2,000 functional ventilators in 41 African countries, according to the WHO, while the total number of available intensive care unit beds in 43 countries on the continent is less than 5,000.

This is about five beds per 1 million people, compared to 4,000 beds per 1 million people in Europe, the WHO reported last week.

Case numbers in Africa are relatively low, but the high prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV, malaria and diabetes are cause for concern.

While the virus was slow to reach the continent compared to other parts of the world, the number of infections has grown exponentially in recent weeks and continues to spread, according to WHO.

South Sudan has just four ventilators for its population of 12 million people as per the data has been revealed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The country possesses merely four ventilators and 24 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds for its entire population.

South Sudan has just four ventilators for its population of 12 million people as per the data has been revealed by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The country possesses merely four ventilators and 24 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds for its entire population. Also see: Are there nations untouched by coronavirus? Meanwhile, Burkina Faso has 11 ventilators, Sierra Leone 13, while Central African Republic has 3 ventilators for a population of 32 million, and 90 per cent of hospitals face shortages of medicine and critical supplies, the non-governmental organization says. Also see: Struggle, fear and heartbreak for medical staff on coronavirus frontline Covid-19 cases have topped 2.2 million globally and countries around the world are scrambling to buy life-saving equipment as the pandemic places unprecedented demand on hospitals. Also read: Over 81,000 people across the world test positive for COVID-19 in 24 hours With healthcare systems buckling under the pressure of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 155,000 people experts warn coronavirus could devastate the countries that lack healthcare equipment and infrastructure. There are fewer than 2,000 functional ventilators in 41 African countries, according to the WHO, while the total number of available intensive care unit beds in 43 countries on the continent is less than 5,000. This is about five beds per 1 million people, compared to 4,000 beds per 1 million people in Europe, the WHO reported last week. Case numbers in Africa are relatively low, but the high prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV, malaria and diabetes are cause for concern. While the virus was slow to reach the continent compared to other parts of the world, the number of infections has grown exponentially in recent weeks and continues to spread, according to WHO.

This country has only four ventilators for its population of 12 million people

What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan?&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats. He alleged that Taiwan’s foreign ministry and diplomats were behind this coordinated attack on him.&nbsp;

How Taiwan reacted to these allegations?&nbsp;

Taiwan foreign ministry released a press statement saying that, “It deeply regrets baseless allegations by WHO Director-General”.The statement further said that for long Taiwanese have faced “political discrimination and feeling of exclusion” to participate in the WHO. Taiwan claimed, despite being a non-member it has warned the WHO of initial community transmission in December 2019, nevertheless WHO failed to act responsibly and instead prevented Taiwan from access to WHO health networks. It further demanded an apology by the Director-General for baseless allegations.&nbsp;

Why is Taiwan not a member of the WHO?&nbsp;

Since Taiwan is not a full member of the United Nations it cannot become a full member of the WHO. China, being a permanent member of UNSC, has blocked Taiwan's access to WHO. It has even deprived Taiwan of its ‘observer status’ which it used to enjoy from 2009 to 2016. China has pressed Taiwan to either accept “One-China Principle” or else loose "observer-status".&nbsp;

Why is China not allowing Taiwan to enter WHO?&nbsp;

China demands a commitment to the 'One-China Principle' as a precondition for its entry into any bilateral and multilateral relations, recognising that there is only one-China and that is the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan is an integral part of it. While Taiwan (Republic of China) represents a thriving democracy and an alternative political system that could pose a threat to the ruling communist party. International organisations like WHO and private enterprises are the main part of Beijing's long-term strategy to win over Taiwan, for completing its long-term goal of national reunification. Their motive is to curtail Taiwan’s independence and reducing its external sovereignty-by gradually reducing its recognition by states.

What are the consequences of Taiwan being excluded from WHO?&nbsp;

With Taiwan being excluded from key UN organisations that handle disease prevention, including the WHO, denies Taiwan crucial information regarding expert briefings, prevention measures. Being one of the best health-care systems in the world, Taiwan has much to offer in control the spread of the pandemic.&nbsp;

What is Taiwan doing to gain membership of WHO?&nbsp;

With the outbreak of coronavirus, the campaign for Taiwan to enter the WHO is back in the news, with multiple countries expressing their support to the country. President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated the importance of Taiwan's position in global health issues at a reception with European guests. Members of the Taiwan UN Alliance and the Global Taiwan Medical Alliance, in a news conference at the legislature, blasted the WHO and International Civil Aviation Organisation for excluding Taiwan from access to information about the coronavirus outbreak. &nbsp;

How is the international community reacting to Taiwan’s membership of WHO?&nbsp;

There is a renewed support from the European Union, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grant Taiwan 'observer status' in the World Health Assembly. The US Congress also passed a bill seeking for Taiwan to gain access to observer status.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan? The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats.

What are the WHO Director-General's allegations on Taiwan? The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press conference held on April 8 in Geneva, accused Taiwan of orchestrating attacks on him using the “N” word, racist slur even the death threats. He alleged that Taiwan’s foreign ministry and diplomats were behind this coordinated attack on him. How Taiwan reacted to these allegations? Taiwan foreign ministry released a press statement saying that, “It deeply regrets baseless allegations by WHO Director-General”.The statement further said that for long Taiwanese have faced “political discrimination and feeling of exclusion” to participate in the WHO. Taiwan claimed, despite being a non-member it has warned the WHO of initial community transmission in December 2019, nevertheless WHO failed to act responsibly and instead prevented Taiwan from access to WHO health networks. It further demanded an apology by the Director-General for baseless allegations. Why is Taiwan not a member of the WHO? Since Taiwan is not a full member of the United Nations it cannot become a full member of the WHO. China, being a permanent member of UNSC, has blocked Taiwan's access to WHO. It has even deprived Taiwan of its ‘observer status’ which it used to enjoy from 2009 to 2016. China has pressed Taiwan to either accept “One-China Principle” or else loose "observer-status". Why is China not allowing Taiwan to enter WHO? China demands a commitment to the 'One-China Principle' as a precondition for its entry into any bilateral and multilateral relations, recognising that there is only one-China and that is the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan is an integral part of it. While Taiwan (Republic of China) represents a thriving democracy and an alternative political system that could pose a threat to the ruling communist party. International organisations like WHO and private enterprises are the main part of Beijing's long-term strategy to win over Taiwan, for completing its long-term goal of national reunification. Their motive is to curtail Taiwan’s independence and reducing its external sovereignty-by gradually reducing its recognition by states. What are the consequences of Taiwan being excluded from WHO? With Taiwan being excluded from key UN organisations that handle disease prevention, including the WHO, denies Taiwan crucial information regarding expert briefings, prevention measures. Being one of the best health-care systems in the world, Taiwan has much to offer in control the spread of the pandemic. What is Taiwan doing to gain membership of WHO? With the outbreak of coronavirus, the campaign for Taiwan to enter the WHO is back in the news, with multiple countries expressing their support to the country. President Tsai Ing-wen reiterated the importance of Taiwan's position in global health issues at a reception with European guests. Members of the Taiwan UN Alliance and the Global Taiwan Medical Alliance, in a news conference at the legislature, blasted the WHO and International Civil Aviation Organisation for excluding Taiwan from access to information about the coronavirus outbreak. How is the international community reacting to Taiwan’s membership of WHO? There is a renewed support from the European Union, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to grant Taiwan 'observer status' in the World Health Assembly. The US Congress also passed a bill seeking for Taiwan to gain access to observer status.

Explained: The conflict between the WHO and Taiwan

The head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday that he regretted U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pull funding for the agency and called for global unity to fight the new coronavirus pandemic.

Trump's move to halt funding to the WHO over its handling of the infection prompted condemnation on Wednesday from world leaders as recorded global infections passed the 2 million mark.

"The United States of America has been a long-standing and generous friend of the WHO and we hope it will continue to be so," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference. "We regret the decision of the president of the United States to order a halt in the funding to the WHO."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-time-to-waste-singular-focus-stopping-the-coronavirus-pandemic-who-292690" hreflang="en">No time to waste, singular focus stopping the coronavirus pandemic: WHO</a>

He said that its performance in the crisis would be assessed later, as after every such event.

"In due course WHO's performance in tackling this pandemic will be reviewed by WHO's member states and the independent bodies that are in place to ensure transparency and accountability," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worldwide-coronavirus-cases-pass-2-million-death-toll-rises-to-136908-292768" hreflang="en">Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908</a>

The WHO also helps the world's poorest struggling with polio, measles, malaria, Ebola, HIV, tuberculosis, malnutrition, cancer and diabetes, he said.

The United States is the largest donor to the WHO, providing more than $400 million in 2019, roughly 15 per cent&nbsp;of its budget.

Tedros added: "WHO is reviewing the impact on our work of any withdrawal of US&nbsp;funding and we will work with partners to fill any financial gaps we face and to ensure our work continues uninterrupted."

But now was the time for the world to be united against the outbreak, which he described as a "dangerous enemy".

Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO's top emergencies expert, said: "We are laser-focused on doing a very important job and that is suppressing this virus and saving lives."

Trump said that the WHO had promoted Chinese "disinformation" about the virus, which had probably led to a wider outbreak. He said the WHO failed to investigate credible reports from sources in China's Wuhan province that conflicted with Beijing’s accounts about the coronavirus’ spread and "parroted and publicly endorsed" the idea that human-to-human transmission was not happening.

Ryan said that the WHO had alerted all 194 member states on Jan 5 about the outbreak - cases of pneumonia of "unknown origin" - and that the virus sequence was shared a week later.

"When WHO issued its first guidance to countries, it was extremely clear that respiratory precautions should be taken in dealing with patients with this disease, that labs needed to be careful in terms of their precautions in taking samples, because there was a risk that the disease could spread from person-to-person in those environments," he said.

The issue was whether the virus was spreading efficiently at community level outside those environments, he said, adding: "And that is not an easy determination to make."

Regarding travel restrictions, he said it was the sovereign right of countries to impose them and WHO's only role was to challenge whether they were justified on a public health basis.

The head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday that he regretted U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pull funding for the agency and called for global unity to fight the new coronavirus pandemic.

The head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday that he regretted U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to pull funding for the agency and called for global unity to fight the new coronavirus pandemic. Trump's move to halt funding to the WHO over its handling of the infection prompted condemnation on Wednesday from world leaders as recorded global infections passed the 2 million mark. "The United States of America has been a long-standing and generous friend of the WHO and we hope it will continue to be so," WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news conference. "We regret the decision of the president of the United States to order a halt in the funding to the WHO." Also read: No time to waste, singular focus stopping the coronavirus pandemic: WHO He said that its performance in the crisis would be assessed later, as after every such event. "In due course WHO's performance in tackling this pandemic will be reviewed by WHO's member states and the independent bodies that are in place to ensure transparency and accountability," he said. Also read: Worldwide coronavirus cases pass 2 million; death toll rises to 136,908 The WHO also helps the world's poorest struggling with polio, measles, malaria, Ebola, HIV, tuberculosis, malnutrition, cancer and diabetes, he said. The United States is the largest donor to the WHO, providing more than $400 million in 2019, roughly 15 per cent of its budget. Tedros added: "WHO is reviewing the impact on our work of any withdrawal of US funding and we will work with partners to fill any financial gaps we face and to ensure our work continues uninterrupted." But now was the time for the world to be united against the outbreak, which he described as a "dangerous enemy". Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO's top emergencies expert, said: "We are laser-focused on doing a very important job and that is suppressing this virus and saving lives." Trump said that the WHO had promoted Chinese "disinformation" about the virus, which had probably led to a wider outbreak. He said the WHO failed to investigate credible reports from sources in China's Wuhan province that conflicted with Beijing’s accounts about the coronavirus’ spread and "parroted and publicly endorsed" the idea that human-to-human transmission was not happening. Ryan said that the WHO had alerted all 194 member states on Jan 5 about the outbreak - cases of pneumonia of "unknown origin" - and that the virus sequence was shared a week later. "When WHO issued its first guidance to countries, it was extremely clear that respiratory precautions should be taken in dealing with patients with this disease, that labs needed to be careful in terms of their precautions in taking samples, because there was a risk that the disease could spread from person-to-person in those environments," he said. The issue was whether the virus was spreading efficiently at community level outside those environments, he said, adding: "And that is not an easy determination to make." Regarding travel restrictions, he said it was the sovereign right of countries to impose them and WHO's only role was to challenge whether they were justified on a public health basis.

WHO chief regrets US move to halt funding, urges unity against pandemic

Last November we planned a vacation to Europe for the following March. By the end of December, we were reading about a new viral disease spreading in China. Like any other, we began looking out for updates posted by the World Health Organisation on the virus; and up to the very end of February 2020, we thought we were safe in visiting places outside of China. But less than 24 hours before our flight, we took a call and cancelled our trip. By then it was no more a “Chinese” virus, as US President Donald Trump had elucidated once, but was slowly and surely entrapping most of the globe. We had almost been blindsided by the dallying of the most reputed health organisation globally into believing that the virus is not a breaking force outside China. &nbsp;

The WHO has been called out for its belated response to the upheaval which has, in turn, hampered relief efforts globally. But is the name-calling mere politicisation or bears substance? As an international specialised body of the UN, the basic responsibility of WHO is for international public health. However, the WHO has been lately disparaged for its dealing with the prevalent pandemic by erring on the side of China. To say the least, the WHO has come out as an exceedingly bureaucratic organisation, akin to other UN bodies and its fallacies have been exposed further by the current handling. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On December 31, 2019, the country office of WHO in China reported “pneumonia” like syndrome for an unidentified pathogen. By many estimates, this was very late in the day after the Chinese authorities had been suspected of trying to suppress the fact for a while. On January 20, 2020, China confirmed human to human transmission and on January 23, put Wuhan under quarantine. Concurrently WHO categorically stated then that this is only an emergency in China and has not yet become a global health emergency. WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom, further added that there was no evidence of human to human transmission outside China. &nbsp;

Since the first reporting, the organisation nearly took a month to declare COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, relenting only on January 30, 2020. As such it can be commented that when public health should be the basic concern, WHO was busy making politically correct statements. First, it wholeheartedly backed China’s response to the disease, no questions asked. Second, it recommended against stalling international trade or travel and even accosted the US for imposing travel restrictions on China. So while China was, on the one hand, locking down its whole province in order to curtail transmission; on the other hand, WHO was emphatically reiterating that there no need to impose a travel ban. &nbsp;

Retrospectively, it may have been a better course for the WHO to focus itself in espousing a travel ban for China entirely rather than concentrating on showering praises at the Chinese authorities for being transparent. The World Health Organisation is not a political organisation and has no business defending governance in any country. Questions are also being raised on China stifling early warning signals. However, more importantly, it is time to fix accountability of the WHO which has been caught defending stigma against China rather than providing accurate information about the virus.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shockingly, after over 1,18,000 cases in 114 countries which were responsible for 4291 deaths, WHO declared it a pandemic only on March 11, 2020. And finally, on March 13, WHO recommended avoiding unnecessary travel. A step called out globally as perhaps being too little, too late. The magnitude of the situation can be judged by the fact that, like us, many others would have avoided non-essential travel by simply adhering to the WHO’s directive. However, with the belated response, it is seen that many people are presently stranded globally due to the sudden restrictions imposed on travel.&nbsp;

The WHO’s Director-General’s credentials have also been brought to light in the discourse. A signed petition is circulating globally asking him to step down for his shoddy handling of the situation. Previously, even his candidature for WHO was challenged as he was accused of supporting a repressive government in Ethiopia, his home country. Even on the ebola crisis in Africa, it is widely perceived that action was taken by WHO was tardy and they did not get their act together in time.&nbsp;

It is not the first time that the world is facing a problem of such mammoth proportion. There was the 430 BC Plague, the Black Death of 1346-1353, and the Spanish Flu of the last century, among others which resulted in large scale loss of human life. Though making leaps and bounds in health and science, we are still vulnerable to new forms of diseases. Accordingly the role of WHO is paramount in early detection and prevention of these new diseases.&nbsp; &nbsp;

One such form of prevention is declaring a public health emergency of international concern. It is an efficient system that WHO uses to sound the alarm on a serious disease that may have caught the world off guard and put lives in danger. It draws immediate attention to galvanise resources and stop the disease from spreading any further or across borders. In fact, the WHO has only declared a public health emergency five times since the International Health Regulations, which govern global health emergency responses, were enacted in 2007. The first time was in 2009, with the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. The second time was in May 2014, when polio seemed to surge again, threatening the eradication effort. The third time, in August 2014, came as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa was growing out of control. The fourth was related to Zika in 2016. And the fifth, in 2019, was another outbreak of Ebola that’s ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. &nbsp;A key consideration in declaring a PHEIC is whether the disease threat is dire enough to risk countries enacting travel and trade restrictions.&nbsp;

As such declarations can be devastating to local economies and are often associated with economic losses. So what should be the approach of WHO - to consider economic losses or saving lives? In the present situation, it has been seen that the WHO did not support imposing travel restrictions/lockdown even when over a lakh people all across the globe had been affected. It even criticised the US for imposing travel restrictions to China. Had WHO put public health first, the spread could have been perhaps been restrained. &nbsp;

The world had prior experience with other forms of coronavirus in the form of SARS and MERS. In the absence of a vaccine, isolation was the logical plan of action to break the chain. Perhaps, WHO squandered its opportunity and as many say it, past its prime when the world depended on it to be agile. Surely this will not be the last virus outbreak to be transmitted from animal to human. It is time to recalibrate the significance and utility of the WHO in preventing new diseases. The World expects more from the WHO and it must adopt a preventive approach with the foresight to minimise loss of life. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.&nbsp;

(The&nbsp;article is co-authored by Tanvi Saran Srivastava. She is Law Officer in MSTC Ltd, CPSU.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Last November we planned a vacation to Europe for the following March. By the end of December, we were reading about a new viral disease spreading in China. Like any other, we began looking out for updates posted by the World Health Organisation on the virus; and up to the very end of February 2020, we thought we were safe in visiting places outside of China.

Last November we planned a vacation to Europe for the following March. By the end of December, we were reading about a new viral disease spreading in China. Like any other, we began looking out for updates posted by the World Health Organisation on the virus; and up to the very end of February 2020, we thought we were safe in visiting places outside of China. But less than 24 hours before our flight, we took a call and cancelled our trip. By then it was no more a “Chinese” virus, as US President Donald Trump had elucidated once, but was slowly and surely entrapping most of the globe. We had almost been blindsided by the dallying of the most reputed health organisation globally into believing that the virus is not a breaking force outside China. The WHO has been called out for its belated response to the upheaval which has, in turn, hampered relief efforts globally. But is the name-calling mere politicisation or bears substance? As an international specialised body of the UN, the basic responsibility of WHO is for international public health. However, the WHO has been lately disparaged for its dealing with the prevalent pandemic by erring on the side of China. To say the least, the WHO has come out as an exceedingly bureaucratic organisation, akin to other UN bodies and its fallacies have been exposed further by the current handling. On December 31, 2019, the country office of WHO in China reported “pneumonia” like syndrome for an unidentified pathogen. By many estimates, this was very late in the day after the Chinese authorities had been suspected of trying to suppress the fact for a while. On January 20, 2020, China confirmed human to human transmission and on January 23, put Wuhan under quarantine. Concurrently WHO categorically stated then that this is only an emergency in China and has not yet become a global health emergency. WHO’s Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom, further added that there was no evidence of human to human transmission outside China. Since the first reporting, the organisation nearly took a month to declare COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, relenting only on January 30, 2020. As such it can be commented that when public health should be the basic concern, WHO was busy making politically correct statements. First, it wholeheartedly backed China’s response to the disease, no questions asked. Second, it recommended against stalling international trade or travel and even accosted the US for imposing travel restrictions on China. So while China was, on the one hand, locking down its whole province in order to curtail transmission; on the other hand, WHO was emphatically reiterating that there no need to impose a travel ban. Retrospectively, it may have been a better course for the WHO to focus itself in espousing a travel ban for China entirely rather than concentrating on showering praises at the Chinese authorities for being transparent. The World Health Organisation is not a political organisation and has no business defending governance in any country. Questions are also being raised on China stifling early warning signals. However, more importantly, it is time to fix accountability of the WHO which has been caught defending stigma against China rather than providing accurate information about the virus. Shockingly, after over 1,18,000 cases in 114 countries which were responsible for 4291 deaths, WHO declared it a pandemic only on March 11, 2020. And finally, on March 13, WHO recommended avoiding unnecessary travel. A step called out globally as perhaps being too little, too late. The magnitude of the situation can be judged by the fact that, like us, many others would have avoided non-essential travel by simply adhering to the WHO’s directive. However, with the belated response, it is seen that many people are presently stranded globally due to the sudden restrictions imposed on travel. The WHO’s Director-General’s credentials have also been brought to light in the discourse. A signed petition is circulating globally asking him to step down for his shoddy handling of the situation. Previously, even his candidature for WHO was challenged as he was accused of supporting a repressive government in Ethiopia, his home country. Even on the ebola crisis in Africa, it is widely perceived that action was taken by WHO was tardy and they did not get their act together in time. It is not the first time that the world is facing a problem of such mammoth proportion. There was the 430 BC Plague, the Black Death of 1346-1353, and the Spanish Flu of the last century, among others which resulted in large scale loss of human life. Though making leaps and bounds in health and science, we are still vulnerable to new forms of diseases. Accordingly the role of WHO is paramount in early detection and prevention of these new diseases. One such form of prevention is declaring a public health emergency of international concern. It is an efficient system that WHO uses to sound the alarm on a serious disease that may have caught the world off guard and put lives in danger. It draws immediate attention to galvanise resources and stop the disease from spreading any further or across borders. In fact, the WHO has only declared a public health emergency five times since the International Health Regulations, which govern global health emergency responses, were enacted in 2007. The first time was in 2009, with the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. The second time was in May 2014, when polio seemed to surge again, threatening the eradication effort. The third time, in August 2014, came as the Ebola outbreak in West Africa was growing out of control. The fourth was related to Zika in 2016. And the fifth, in 2019, was another outbreak of Ebola that’s ongoing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A key consideration in declaring a PHEIC is whether the disease threat is dire enough to risk countries enacting travel and trade restrictions. As such declarations can be devastating to local economies and are often associated with economic losses. So what should be the approach of WHO - to consider economic losses or saving lives? In the present situation, it has been seen that the WHO did not support imposing travel restrictions/lockdown even when over a lakh people all across the globe had been affected. It even criticised the US for imposing travel restrictions to China. Had WHO put public health first, the spread could have been perhaps been restrained. The world had prior experience with other forms of coronavirus in the form of SARS and MERS. In the absence of a vaccine, isolation was the logical plan of action to break the chain. Perhaps, WHO squandered its opportunity and as many say it, past its prime when the world depended on it to be agile. Surely this will not be the last virus outbreak to be transmitted from animal to human. It is time to recalibrate the significance and utility of the WHO in preventing new diseases. The World expects more from the WHO and it must adopt a preventive approach with the foresight to minimise loss of life. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry. (The article is co-authored by Tanvi Saran Srivastava. She is Law Officer in MSTC Ltd, CPSU.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mishandling of coronavirus pandemic by WHO has cost the world dearly

At a time when the global death toll from coronavirus jumped to 114,539, World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that vaccine is needed to fully halt the transmission of the virus.&nbsp;

"We know that COVID-19 spreads fast, and we know that it is deadly, 10 times more deadly than the 2009 flu pandemic," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a virtual briefing from Geneva.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-coronavirus-death-toll-falls-to-517-in-24-hours-292251">Spain's coronavirus death toll falls to 517 in 24 hours</a>

The director-general said that globalisation meant that COVID-19 could re-emerge yet again, implying that "ultimately, the development and delivery of a safe and effective vaccine will be needed to fully interrupt transmission."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-germany-moving-towards-gradual-reopening-as-virus-cases-drops-292304">Coronavirus: Germany moving towards gradual reopening as virus cases drops</a>

Meanwhile, at least 114,539 people have died so far from coronavirus in 193 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally. More than 1,853,300 have tested positive for coronavirus globally, as per the data.&nbsp;

With 22,109 deaths, the United States continues to suffer the most from coronavirus. On Tuesday, the coronavirus death toll on New York also surpassed 10,000 with the governor saying that the "worst is over" in the state.&nbsp;

The second-worst hit country Italy reported 566 new deaths on Monday, which took its death toll over 20,000. However, the number of critically ill patients in the country dropped for the tenth consecutive day due to a slow down in the rate of infections.&nbsp;

At a time when the global death toll from coronavirus jumped to 114,539, World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that vaccine is needed to fully halt the transmission of the virus.

At a time when the global death toll from coronavirus jumped to 114,539, World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that vaccine is needed to fully halt the transmission of the virus. "We know that COVID-19 spreads fast, and we know that it is deadly, 10 times more deadly than the 2009 flu pandemic," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a virtual briefing from Geneva. Also read | Spain's coronavirus death toll falls to 517 in 24 hours The director-general said that globalisation meant that COVID-19 could re-emerge yet again, implying that "ultimately, the development and delivery of a safe and effective vaccine will be needed to fully interrupt transmission." Also read | Coronavirus: Germany moving towards gradual reopening as virus cases drops Meanwhile, at least 114,539 people have died so far from coronavirus in 193 countries and territories, according to an AFP tally. More than 1,853,300 have tested positive for coronavirus globally, as per the data. With 22,109 deaths, the United States continues to suffer the most from coronavirus. On Tuesday, the coronavirus death toll on New York also surpassed 10,000 with the governor saying that the "worst is over" in the state. The second-worst hit country Italy reported 566 new deaths on Monday, which took its death toll over 20,000. However, the number of critically ill patients in the country dropped for the tenth consecutive day due to a slow down in the rate of infections.

Coronavirus is 10 times deadlier than swine flu: WHO

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