COVID-19 origins could be from ‘zoonotic spillover’ but lab leak theory ‘on the table’: WHO report
A World Health Organization (WHO) scientific advisory group recently released a report on the origins of COVID-19, pointing to a potential zoonotic spillover as the cause of the deadly pandemic. The report, conducted by a panel of 27 independent, international experts, suggests that the virus may have originated either directly from bats or through an intermediate host.
The WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, emphasized that all hypotheses, including zoonotic spillover and lab leak, should remain on the table. The report highlighted that key information needed to fully evaluate all hypotheses has not been provided, indicating that there is still uncertainty surrounding the exact origins of the virus.
The investigation into the origins of COVID-19 has been met with challenges, including limited access to crucial data and research facilities. Dr. Peter Daszak, a British zoologist who was involved in the investigation, faced obstacles when attempting to conduct research at the Wuhan lab in China. Despite efforts to gather information, China has not shared critical data with the WHO or the scientific advisory group.
The report comes at a time when there are growing concerns about the transparency of information related to the origins of COVID-19. The WHO has called on China and other countries to share vital information openly to prevent future pandemics and protect global health.
The scientific advisory group published its initial findings in June 2022 and has since updated its evaluation based on peer-reviewed papers, field studies, interviews, and other reports. The group has convened numerous times to review new information and remains committed to understanding the origins of the virus to prevent future outbreaks.
As the investigation continues, the WHO emphasizes the importance of uncovering the origins of COVID-19 to prevent future pandemics, save lives, and reduce global suffering. The organization welcomes any additional evidence on the origins of the virus and remains dedicated to reviewing new information as it becomes available.
The search for the origins of COVID-19 is an ongoing process that requires cooperation and transparency from all parties involved. Understanding how the virus emerged is crucial for developing strategies to prevent similar outbreaks in the future. The WHO and its scientific advisory group are committed to unraveling the mystery of COVID-19 to protect global health and well-being.
