On July 9, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) has formulated an Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) to evaluate the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Panel will be co-chaired by former Prime Minister of New Zealand Helen Elizabeth Clark and former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
- While Helen Clark served as an administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), on the other hand, Ellen Sirleaf is a recipient of the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.
- Both will choose other Panel members.
Background:
At the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) in May, 2020 the 194 Member States of WHO adopted a resolution that called on the organization to initiate an independent and comprehensive evaluation of the international health response to COVID-19.
How will IPPR work?
A Special Session of the Executive Board will be called in September, 2020 to discuss the Panel’s progress. In November, 2020 the Panel will present an interim report at the resumption of the World Health Assembly. In January 2021, the Executive Board will hold its regular session, where the Panel’s work will be further discussed; and in May, 2021, at the WHA, the panel will present its substantive report.
Point to be noted:
On July 7, 2020, the United States (US) officially submitted its notification of withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). Click to Read- US formally notified UN of its Decision to Withdraw from WHO; Serves Notice Period till July 6, 2021
About WHO:
Headquarters– Geneva, Switzerland
Director General– Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Chief Scientist– Soumya Swaminathan
