COVID19: World Health Organization members agree response probe

World Health Organisation member states have agreed to set up an independent inquiry into the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The resolution, approved without objection by the WHO's 194-member annual assembly meeting virtually in Geneva, also allows for the inquiry to look into the WHO's own role.

The United States, in particular, has been highly critical of its response.

The EU presented the resolution on behalf of 100 nations.

It calls for an "impartial, independent, and comprehensive evaluation" of the international response.

This will also focus on the WHO's "timelines pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic".

The WHO has faced criticism that it was late to declare a health emergency.

US President Donald Trump has also sent a letter to the head of the World Health Organisation threatening to pull US funding permanently over COVID-19.

[Source: BBC]