Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors
Diplomatic tussle at WHO
Context: A resolution is being moved at World Health Assembly seeking a probe into the origin of Covid-19 and role of WHO
Did You Know?
The call for an international investigation was first voiced formally by the Australian prime minister.
India is set to be elected Chair of the WHO’s decision-making Executive Board at its 73rd World Health Assembly on 18-19 May 2020
What is the resolution all about?
Besides a scientific investigation into the origins of the virus, the resolution calls for an “impartial, independent and comprehensive” evaluation into the international response to the corona pandemic
The resolution does not mention China by name, which is one of the key demands of US.
Critical Analysis of the resolution proposed
Diluted: The resolution was watered down to get the maximum possible backing at the WHO
Not powerless: The resolution is said to have enough teeth to dig deep into the issues raised by the corona crisis.
Overrides China’s opposition: Despite the open threats of trade sanctions from China, Australia has pressed ahead working with the EU to introduce the resolution.
Accountability: The resolution indicates that international community wants accountability from China and WHO on their handling of pandemic
Setback for China: A unanimous approval of the resolution will be a diplomatic setback for China, since limiting the demands for an external inquiry has been a major political priority for Beijing.
What must India do at these times?
India must look at the deeper issues that have troubled the WHO
There is the need to develop new international norms that will increase the powers of the WHO in facilitating early detection & notification of pandemics
India must help change the funding of WHO -It depends on donations rather than membership fees, as a result, donors will set the agenda
India must also ask if the WHO is trying to do too many things.
WHO’s initial successes came when it focused on a few objectives like combatting malaria and the elimination of smallpox.
A limited agenda will make thus WHO a more effective organisation.
Conclusion
Sustained engagement with China, then, is as important for India as deeper cooperation with the “Quad plus” nations in promoting a new global regime on preventing and managing pandemics.
