In a hearing held by the Select Subcommittee, Chairman Wenstrup expressed his concerns about the World Health Organization's (WHO) response to the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasized the need for immediate reform. Wenstrup highlighted the WHO's failure to serve all of its members equally and its susceptibility to political influences.
"When it was most essential that the W.H.O. step up and help everyone, it bowed to political affiliations over global public health," said Wenstrup. He pointed out that instead of conducting independent investigations into the origins of COVID-19, the WHO relied on information from the Chinese government, which led to delays in recognizing the virus's human-to-human transmission and declaring it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Wenstrup criticized the WHO's report on the origins of COVID-19, stating that it was "nothing but more Chinese propaganda." Even Dr. Fauci expressed concerns about the restrictions imposed during the investigation. Wenstrup further revealed that he had received an email from the Chinese Embassy opposing the origins hearing, indicating their interference with the investigation.
The lack of independent investigation by the WHO potentially worsened the pandemic's impact and allowed it to spread further. "All in all, we saw the W.H.O. more influenced by politics than public health," remarked Wenstrup. He stressed the importance of reforming the WHO to ensure transparency, verifiability, and accountability.
Wenstrup raised several questions regarding the future of the WHO, including the need for an independent body to conduct oversight and the implementation of ideal methods of data sharing and development worldwide. He emphasized the importance of honesty during a public health emergency and called for the WHO to police its members and not be influenced by political interests.
The Chairman also highlighted the upcoming changes in the WHO, as it drafts a new Pandemic Accord and International Health Regulations. Wenstrup insisted that these changes must protect American interests, respect international sovereignty, and hold China accountable. He emphasized that any accord or treaty must be presented to Congress for approval.
Wenstrup urged the United States to set the gold standard in incentivizing best practices and to ensure that the WHO prioritizes global public health and not just the interests of a few members. He concluded by stating that reforming the WHO is crucial to better care for citizens and establish best practices.
The hearing aimed to assess the current circumstances surrounding the WHO and explore ways to strengthen and improve its functioning. Chairman Wenstrup looked forward to a focused and productive discussion on the topic.
For additional details, please follow this link: https://oversight.house.gov/release/wenstrup-world-health-organization-bowed-to-chinese-interests-needs-immediate-reform/
