China has yet to respond to the WHO's recent statement, having previously dismissed lab leak claims. A study from a group of scientists in September suggested a strong likelihood that the virus was transmitted through infected animals at a market rather than via a laboratory accident. This conclusion was reached after extensive analysis of samples collected in Wuhan, the city where the pandemic first originated.
In its recent statement, the WHO reflected on the timeline of the pandemic's evolution from local cases of "viral pneumonia" reported in Wuhan in late December 2019 to a global health crisis that has fundamentally altered life worldwide. The WHO began activating emergency systems immediately and was quick to inform the global community about the emerging threat. It also highlighted the importance of honoring those affected by COVID-19, including those who have suffered from long-term effects, as well as acknowledging the tireless work of health care professionals.
The WHO declared on May 5, 2023, that COVID-19 no longer constituted a "global health emergency," noting an official death toll of at least seven million, but estimating true deaths to be closer to 20 million. Despite this, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director-general, has warned against complacency, emphasizing the potential for new pandemics to emerge at any time. The call to action from WHO is a reminder of the lessons learned from this pandemic and the necessity of global vigilance.
In its recent statement, the WHO reflected on the timeline of the pandemic's evolution from local cases of "viral pneumonia" reported in Wuhan in late December 2019 to a global health crisis that has fundamentally altered life worldwide. The WHO began activating emergency systems immediately and was quick to inform the global community about the emerging threat. It also highlighted the importance of honoring those affected by COVID-19, including those who have suffered from long-term effects, as well as acknowledging the tireless work of health care professionals.
The WHO declared on May 5, 2023, that COVID-19 no longer constituted a "global health emergency," noting an official death toll of at least seven million, but estimating true deaths to be closer to 20 million. Despite this, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO's director-general, has warned against complacency, emphasizing the potential for new pandemics to emerge at any time. The call to action from WHO is a reminder of the lessons learned from this pandemic and the necessity of global vigilance.
