Coronavirus pandemic a 'test of character': WHO chief

The World Health Organization said that the Coronavirus pandemic was a "test of character" and we must act in the interests of "solidarity" and "shared humanity." WHO is committed to ensuring people around the world have access to the necessary life-saving interventions. Director-General Dr. Tedros reiterated the best way out of the pandemic is to take a comprehensive approach.

Geneva:The World Health Organization on Wednesday said the Coronavirus pandemic was a test of character and we must act in the interests of solidarity and shared humanity.

The WHO also said it was aware of reports of the US buying up virtually all of the stocks of the only drug so far licensed to treat COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.

No other country will be able to purchase the drug, Remdesivir, for the next three months.

Dr. Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Programme, said the full terms of the US deal with Gilead Sciences had yet to be assessed and it may allow the production of Remdesivir in other countries.

Watch |New route to UK entry for some Hong Kongers: Johnson

But he stressed the WHO was committed to ensuring people around the world have access to the necessary life-saving interventions.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the best way out of the pandemic is to take a comprehensive approach.

He warned countries that have taken a fragmented approach would have a long, hard road ahead.

(AP)