WHO’s independence should not be doubted

The World Health Organization has played an important role in tackling the spread of the novel coronavirus in China and beyond and won wide acclaim from the international community. However, some media outlets in the United States have raised doubts on WHO’s independence.

In a recent report, CNN said the handsome dues China handed to the WHO have caused it to speak for China. In the eyes of CNN, the inter-governmental body is nothing more than a “corporation” in which the larger the shareholder the louder it speaks.

Such fault-finding is untimely and unkind. The report even criticized the WHO for mixing politics with health issues. However, when it comes to politicizing global health, none can beat the US politicians who are trying to use the epidemic to incite “decoupling” between the US and China.

In the global fight against the epidemic, the Chinese government and people have shown great courage and resilience. The world’s second-largest economy has begun resumption of production to minimize the epidemic’s impact on the world economy. The WHO’s positive view about China’s efforts is based on a fair assessment of the situation. That the leaders of more than 160 countries and international organizations have written to China expressing condolences for the deaths, and firm support for China’s battle, reflect the consensus that the virus is a common threat for mankind.

However, some US media outlets have chosen to ignore this collective effort. In so doing, what they lack is professionalism and morality. The White House recently proposed to cut its fees to the WHO by 53 percent. Is this to preserve the WHO’s independence?

The WHO plays an important role in global health security cooperation. The US media should stand with the people of the world and channel more positive energy in the common fight against the epidemic.