Reuters, Brussels :
The European Union wants the World Health Organization to become more transparent about how states report emerging health crises, a draft proposal on reforming the U.N. agency says, following criticism of China’s initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The paper, drawn up by the German government after discussions with other member states, is the latest to outline the EU’s months-long plans to address the WHO’s shortcomings on funding, governance and legal powers.
The document, dated Oct. 19 and seen by Reuters, urges the WHO to adopt measures that would increase “transparency on national compliance” with International Health Regulations.
These require WHO member states to quickly share information on health emergencies.
The United States has accused the WHO of being too close to China in the first phase of the pandemic, when Beijing was slow in sharing crucial information on the new coronavirus – which first appeared in the city of Wuhan.
President Donald Trump has said the United States will end its membership of the agency and stop its funding as a result.
The European Union wants the World Health Organization to become more transparent about how states report emerging health crises, a draft proposal on reforming the U.N. agency says, following criticism of China’s initial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The paper, drawn up by the German government after discussions with other member states, is the latest to outline the EU’s months-long plans to address the WHO’s shortcomings on funding, governance and legal powers.
The document, dated Oct. 19 and seen by Reuters, urges the WHO to adopt measures that would increase “transparency on national compliance” with International Health Regulations.
These require WHO member states to quickly share information on health emergencies.
The United States has accused the WHO of being too close to China in the first phase of the pandemic, when Beijing was slow in sharing crucial information on the new coronavirus – which first appeared in the city of Wuhan.
President Donald Trump has said the United States will end its membership of the agency and stop its funding as a result.
