UN Secy General appeals to the global community to support WHO’s fight against COVID-19

NEW YORK: Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations, urged the global community to support the UN system, and in particular the World Health Organization (WHO), in its efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The United States, after repeatedly criticizing the organization’s pandemic response, formally notified Guterres of its intention to withdraw from the WHO in July 2021.

Morgan Ortagus, Spokeswoman, the United States of America Department of State, earlier in September, expressed the belief that in recent decades, WHO “failed significantly” not only with respect to COVID-19 but also in its response to other health crisis. She also criticized the WHO for not supporting changes and failing to exhibit its independence from the Chinese Communist Party.

Guterres, in his interview with RIA Novosti, said that he had made it clear that the WHO needs help from member states at this critical period for dealing with COVID-19. He appealed to all the member states that they support each other and the UN in tackling the challenges of our time, including fighting the ongoing health crisis.