This archive report was first published on 19 May 2020.
WHO to Review Virus Response Amid Trump's Criticism ¶
Geneva, Switzerland, May 19, 2020 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has agreed to review its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, amidst growing criticism from US President Donald Trump.
Trump has accused the WHO of being a 'puppet of China' and has threatened to permanently freeze US funding to the organization unless it demonstrates independence from China.
However, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has welcomed calls for a review, saying that the organization will initiate an independent evaluation at the earliest appropriate moment to review experience gained and lessons learned.
Trump's criticism comes as the WHO is holding its first-ever virtual assembly, which has been shortened to two days due to the pandemic.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also spoken out, saying that the COVID-19 crisis is a 'wake-up call' and that deadly global threats require a new unity and solidarity.
Despite growing tensions between the world's two largest economies, member states hope the assembly will adopt a resolution aimed at fashioning a joint response, including commitments on equitable access to potential treatments and vaccines.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has voiced support for a joint approach, vowing to make any vaccine his country develops available for all and offering $2 billion in aid.
Scientists around the world are working at breakneck speed to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, with several potential vaccines in clinical trials.
