WHO Director Warns Against ‘Politicizing’ the Coronavirus Pandemic

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus — director of the World Health Organization (WHO) — is warning against “politicizing” the coronavirus pandemic.

During a video conference aired at the Dubai-based World Government Summit, Tedros noted the potentially problematic consequences of world leaders focusing on the divisiveness that comes from relating a public health matter to political views. according to The Associated Press.

“The greatest threat we face now is not the virus itself, it’s the lack of global solidarity and global leadership,” Tedros said. “We cannot defeat this pandemic with a divided world.”

While Tedros did not specifically name President Donald Trump, his current statement echoes his previous remarks directed toward the U.S. president amid his threat to defund the WHO.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that, indeed, the world was not prepared,” Tedros said. “Globally, the pandemic is still accelerating.”

At the start of the pandemic, the first 1 million cases were reported in the first three months. However, the last million cases have been reported in just eight days which signals an accelerated uptick in case rates, according to Tedros.

See the view the full conference below:

In addition to the warning against politicizing the pandemic, Dr. David Nabarro also shed light on what should be expected after a viable vaccine is created.