Macron calls for WHO powers to be boosted, Merkel backs call for pandemic treaty

French President Macron visits Nevers, France May 21, 2021. Thibault Camus /Pool via REUTERS

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

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