WEB DESK

India has backed a European Union resolution seeking a probe into the response of World Health Organization during the Corona virus crisis around the world. It calls for an impartial, independent and comprehensive probe at the earliest to review the experience gained and lessons learnt from the WHO-coordinated international health response to COVID-19.

The resolution has been presented to the World Health Assembly which is holding its virtual session by teleconferencing in Geneva today. Total 120 nations including Australia, EU, Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Russia, South Korea, South Africa, Turkey, Ukraine and UK have sponsored the resolution.

World Health Assembly meeting is significant as it comes at a time when concerns have been raised over the role and response of WHO in tackling the challenge of COVID-19. US has announced stopping of funds for WHO Corona virus and sought independent inquiry into the response and origins of Corona virus.

The Resolution on COVID-19 Response says that the nations are deeply concerned by the morbidity and mortality caused by COVID-19 pandemic, its negative impacts on physical and mental health and social well-being. It also expresses concern over the negative impacts on economy and society and the consequent exacerbation of inequalities within and between countries.

World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The Health Assembly is held every year in Geneva followed by the meeting of its Executive Board.