WHO Urges China for Transparency on Covid-19 Origins

Five years post Covid-19 outbreak, WHO calls on China for crucial data on the virus's origins. Emphasizing it as a 'moral and scientific imperative,' WHO seeks global cooperation to prevent future epidemics. A look into the early days of the pandemic and ongoing efforts to understand its roots.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its appeal for China to release essential information regarding the origins of the Covid-19 virus, labeling the request a 'moral and scientific imperative.' This comes five years after the initial outbreak that profoundly impacted global health and economies.

WHO's statement emphasized the necessity for transparency and international collaboration to mitigate the threat of future pandemics. The organization highlighted that it first became aware of the virus in December 2019 when its China Country Office reported media alerts about cases of 'viral pneumonia' in Wuhan. By January 2020, the WHO had begun activating emergency protocols and briefing the world.

Reflecting on the efforts over the past five years, WHO honored those affected by the pandemic and acknowledged the tireless contributions of healthcare workers. It stressed the importance of continued research and cooperation to unravel the virus's origins. In July 2020, WHO facilitated a collaborative study with Chinese and international scientists, involving experts from multiple countries.

(With inputs from agencies.)