May 16th Japan is going to call for an investigation into the World Health Organization’s initial response to the corona virus pandemic. The Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe stated: “With the European Union, (Japan) will propose that a fair, independent and comprehensive verification be conducted,” and in an internet program on Friday he said, “There’s a lot of discussion in the international community about precisely where the virus came from and the initial response, there needs to be a thorough investigation, and it’s crucial that this be carried out by an independent body.”
The WHO has been accused by the United States and some of its allies of turning a blind eye while China withheld information that could have helped limit the spread of the virus after it was first reported in the city of Wuhan. President Trump has been particularly strong in his attacks on the organization and on China.
The BBC reported on May 19th: Coronavirus: What are President Trump’s charges against the WHO?
1. That the WHO didn’t obtain, vet and share information in a timely manner.
2. The WHO said that human to human transmission isn’t possible
3. The WHO is not independent from China
4. That the WHO opposed travel restrictions
The WHO is now in the political front line. On one side accused of being too influenced by China. On the other accused of being over influenced by the USA and the Gates Foundation and in pushing a damaging global lockdown, including for Africa. Will the WHO be blamed for the inadequate or confused responses of many governments?
It’s possible China obscured some facts of what happened in Wuhan and hesitated to inform the world. On the other hand, the USA, China and others have been collaborating in viral research for decades and all parties knew the potential risks.
In time a question about the necessity of locking down the whole world will need to be asked.