It is no accident that those leaders who have responded worst to this crisis have also been the main sources of countless conspiracy theories and misinformation.
The decision to authorise a WHO investigation into the origins of the coronavirus is only a partial vindication for nations keen to hold China to account. But it will help strengthen global health measures.
China has only agreed to an investigation if it happens after the pandemic and is led by the WHO – two stipulations that likely won’t sit well with western countries.
Despite the transnational dimension of the Covid-19 crisis, transnational responses are facing many obstacles. Yet, some regional organisations might be able to expand their mandate and resources.
Andrew Lakoff, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences
The World Health Organization is not a disease police force but more of a diplomatic group, aiming to bring countries together to stop disease. Still, it comes under fierce attack.
Katherine E. Gallagher, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; Anthony Scott, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; Ifedayo Adetifa, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme; John Ojal, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine; Shirine Voller, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, and Wangeci Kagucia, KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme
Coronavirus is a stark reminder of what a world without vaccines would look like.
China’s bullying behaviour, its threatened resort to a form of economic blackmail and its attempts to drive a wedge between Canberra and Washington mark a vexed new frontier for Australian diplomacy.
Michelle Grattan talks with Assistant Professor Caroline Fisher about the week in politics, including the latest coronavirus developments, Malcolm Turnbull’s Memoirs, and the ACCC code of conduct for Facebook and Google.
Suerie Moon, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)
The world rightly expressed shock and dismay at Donald Trump’s suspension of US funding for WHO. To respond, other governments, funders and citizens are urgently needed to fill the gap.
The Trump administration has halted funding to the World Health Organization in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. But what does it actually do with its budget?
Both cats and dogs can become infected with the coronavirus. The chances of them getting sick or passing it on to you or another animal are extremely low.
Director of Koi Tū, the Centre for Informed Futures; former Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau