Macron and Merkel call for boost to WHO ability to tackle future pandemics

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French President Emmanuel Macron has called for the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be empowered to visit countries rapidly in case of outbreaks with the potential to spark a pandemic, and to access data.

Reuters reports that Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in separate pre-recorded remarks delivered on the occasion of the WHO's annual ministerial assembly, called for the UN agency's funding to be improved and backed the idea of a new international treaty to prevent pandemics.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with French President Emmanuel Macron. — AFP/File
German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with French President Emmanuel Macron. — AFP/File

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