The WHO “sounded the alarm early” to warn the world about the coronavirus, but its handling of the pandemic will be independently reviewed, its chief has said.

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus defended the WHO’s response to the pandemic, arguing it gave countries ample warning, guidance and advice.

"The WHO sounded the alarm early, and we sounded it often," Dr Tedros said in a speech at the World Health Assembly.

But he welcomed a proposed resolution, spearheaded by the EU, on reviewing the WHO’s response, saying it should involve “all actors, in good faith”.

Acknowledging there were “lessons to learn”, Dr Tedros said he would launch an independent inquiry of the WHO's response as soon as possible.

"I will initiate an independent evaluation at the earliest appropriate moment to review experience gained and lessons learned and to make recommendations to improve national and global pandemic preparedness and response," Dr Tedros said.

BBC