The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic recently held a hearing to discuss the need for reform within the World Health Organization (WHO) and to address its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The hearing highlighted the flaws within the WHO framework and the Chinese Communist Party's lack of transparency in sharing information about the virus.
Chairman Brad Wenstrup opened the hearing by pointing out four instances where the WHO bowed to political pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. He emphasized the importance of holding China accountable for its intentional cover-up of COVID-19. He stated, "The WHO denied that COVID-19 was spread via human-to-human transmission, based entirely on the word of the Chinese government. The WHO delayed serious measures to counter the global spread of COVID-19 because the CCP was only worried about their own bottom line. When the WHO produced a report evaluating the possible origins of COVID-19, it became unquestionably evident that the entire report was nothing but more Chinese propaganda."
Officials from the U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services all agreed that the WHO is in urgent need of reform. Loyce Pace, Assistant Secretary for Global Affairs at HHS, acknowledged the shortcomings of the WHO and stated, "The COVID-19 pandemic also revealed major gaps in our global health security architecture, including and importantly, at WHO." Ambassador John Nkengasong, Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy at State, expressed the Biden Administration's commitment to ensuring comprehensive reform within the WHO. Dr. Atul Gawande, Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID, recognized the failures of the WHO during the pandemic and emphasized the need for critical reforms.
As the WHO works on drafting a new Pandemic Accord and amendments to the International Health Regulations, it is crucial to protect American interests and sovereignty. Dr. Atul Gawande stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty and ensuring that the WHO does not have excessive control. He stated, "We're looking for a three-level set of tiers so that there is an earlier indication when countries have a health issue developing of concern, there are clearer standards about what transparency requires, and then clear requirements that WHO has to live up to for reporting, making public and indicating when countries are not adhering to those."
During the hearing, it was evident that China was not transparent or forthcoming about COVID-19. Chairman Brad Wenstrup asked the Biden Administration officials if China was forthcoming and transparent regarding COVID-19. Loyce Pace responded, "Unfortunately, one of those lessons is the importance of transparency. We are quite disappointed and share your frustration with the government of China for not being as forthcoming as they should have been." Ambassador John Nkengasong also agreed, stating that China lacked the ability to be fully transparent and cooperate with the WHO and the world.
The hearing also raised concerns about the WHO's proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed concerns about the expansion of the WHO Director-General's authority and the potential infringement on personal freedoms. She stated, "The move toward a global health security state is reliant upon surveillance, which relies on data. That's an invasion of privacy for the American people."
Overall, the hearing emphasized the need for reform within the WHO and holding China accountable for its actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic remains committed to revealing any wrongdoing by China, the WHO, and other public health officials to better prepare the country for future health crises.
Click this link to access more information: https://oversight.house.gov/release/hearing-wrap-up-the-world-health-organizations-flawed-framework-must-be-reformed/
