WHO to review own response to COVID-19 post Trump's criticism

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday (July 9) named leaders of an independent panel to review its own response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The move came after the US criticised the WHO’s response to the virus.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a meeting with member states that Helen Clark, former prime minister of New Zealand, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia, were selected as co-chairs to the newly-created Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response.

“I cannot imagine two more strong-minded, independent leaders to help guide us through this critical learning process to help us understand what happened an honest assessment and to help us understand also what we should do to prevent such a tragedy in the future,” Tedros said.

“Clark and Johnson Sirleaf, who were chosen in consultation with experts and member countries, will pick the rest of the committee,” he added. He suggested that in addition to the interim report, the panel will provide monthly updates.

The panel will reportedly present an interim report in November. The panel will review the international response to the pandemic, including that of the WHO. The full report may be presented in May.

The WHO has come under fire for its response to the coronavirus outbreak from President Donald Trump, who is pulling the US out of the global group, saying it was “too close to China”.

Director-General Ghebreyesus responded to the accusation that the agency acted appropriately with the information it had and the rest of the world had plenty of time to prepare to fight the outbreak.

The WHO chief reiterated his calls for global unity and decried a general lack of leadership, but he made no reference to the Trump administration giving a formal one-year notice this week of its intent to withdraw the United States from the UN health agency. The United States is the WHO’s biggest donor, contributing USD 400-USD 500 annually in recent years.

“My friends, make no mistake: The greatest threat we face now is not the virus itself. Rather, its the lack of leadership and solidarity at the global and national levels,” Tedros said.

“It’s time for a very honest reflection,” Tedros said in the meeting. “All of us must look in the mirror. The WHO, every member state, all involved in the response, everyone. Are we ready to learn the big lessons?” he questioned.

(With inputs from agencies)