Pouch: "'WHO Return' Biden Orders Participation in Vaccine Project COVAX"

Participation in WHO Board Meeting via Video on the 21st
"Stop Reducing US Staff Dispatched to WHO"

Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, attending the World Health Organization (WHO) Board meeting via video conference
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Following U.S. President Joe Biden's order to halt the withdrawal process from the World Health Organization (WHO) immediately after his inauguration, the United States will participate in the international project 'COVAX Facility' for the joint purchase and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

According to the Associated Press (AP) and others on the 21st (local time), Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, participated virtually in the WHO Executive Board meeting and stated, "It is an honor to announce that the United States will remain a member of the WHO." He explained, "The Biden administration has ordered to stop the reduction of U.S. staff assigned to the WHO and to restore normal relations."

Dr. Fauci also announced, "President Biden will issue guidelines this afternoon (21st) that include the U.S. commitment to participate in COVAX to advance multilateral efforts for COVID-19 vaccines, treatments, diagnostics, equitable access, research, and development."

The COVAX Facility is a vaccine joint purchase and distribution project jointly operated by WHO, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Participating countries pay funds and first sign purchase agreements with pharmaceutical companies, then receive supplies once development is completed.

During the meeting, Dr. Fauci referred to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as "my dear friend," and Director-General Ghebreyesus welcomed the U.S. return to WHO, calling Fauci "my brother Tony." Ghebreyesus said, "It is a good day for WHO and global health," emphasizing "the role of the United States is very important," and congratulated President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration.

Previously, former U.S. President Donald Trump had officially announced withdrawal from WHO last year during the COVID-19 response, accusing WHO of siding with China. However, President Biden issued an executive order on his first day in office, the 20th, to halt the withdrawal process.