`… nations have pinned their hopes in the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide the correct leadership and expertise in the world’s battle against the coronavirus 2019.’
WHILE the coronavirus strain that causes the COVID-19 disease continues its tsunami-like onslaught in all continents of the globe, we are witness to how this pandemic worked havoc upon whole nations and their economies.
Many heads of state realize that the best way to fight this devastating contagion is thru international cooperation — government and scientists of various races acting together for the common purpose of finding a cure or a vaccine. There are now more than 200 possible vaccines in various stages of development, while scores of drugs to cure the symptoms of COVID-19 are also undergoing tests.
Since international action is needed, nations have pinned their hopes in the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide the correct leadership and expertise in the world’s battle against the coronavirus 2019.
Last May 18-19, 2020, the World Health Assembly (WHA), the governing body of the WHO, met in Geneva, Switzerland at a most historic and crucial time with 194 countries actively participating. Each one wanted to share in consolidating the lessons from the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and to plan for the expanding struggle to eradicate the coronavirus worldwide.
As of May 26, 2020 total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world has reached 5.37 million with 344,454 confirmed deaths in six months. Hardest hit countries are the United States, Russia and Brazil. The Philippines, meanwhile, tallied 14,669 cases, 3,412 survivors, and 886 deaths.
It is noteworthy that poor and rich nations, in their support for the WHO, have displayed solidarity and unity in bolstering their ability to cope with the pandemic.
Even as China President Xi Jinping announced at the WHA meeting via video conferencing the various contributions of his country to the global fight against the pandemic, United States President Donald Trump sent the US Health Secretary to find out how best the US can still support the international community in this worldwide health effort. With both China and the US realizing that the best way moving forward is thru cooperation, more support for the WHO is soon expected especially by the underprivileged nations which need this most.
With the outpouring of support from nations which can best afford it, the World Health Organization will be in a better position to defeat the pandemic, which is the inclusive problem of all of mankind.
