The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its call for China to release critical data and allow unrestricted access to help the global scientific community uncover the origins of COVID-19. This appeal comes on the fifth anniversary of the first reported cases of the virus in Wuhan, China.
In a statement, WHO emphasized the importance of transparency in preventing future pandemics. “We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of COVID-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative. Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation, the world cannot adequately prepare for future pandemics,” the organization said.
The United Nations health agency also paid tribute to those affected by COVID-19, including healthcare workers and individuals battling long-term effects of the virus. WHO reiterated the need to honor lessons learned from the pandemic to build a healthier global future.
China rejected WHO’s latest plea, asserting that it has been transparent throughout the pandemic. Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said China had shared extensive data and research findings and facilitated global understanding of the virus.
“Since the outbreak of COVID-19 five years ago, China has provided information and genome sequencing to WHO and the international community promptly. We have made significant contributions to global efforts to combat the virus,” Mao said during a press briefing in Beijing.
Mao highlighted China’s invitation to WHO experts for joint studies on COVID-19’s origins and claimed that these efforts showcased the nation’s openness and transparency. She also accused some parties of politicizing the issue.
The spokesperson suggested that international studies should broaden their scope to include tracing efforts in other regions worldwide, pointing to evidence suggesting COVID-19 may have emerged in multiple locations.
Despite China’s assertions, the Wuhan Huanan Seafood Market remains a focal point of investigations into the virus’s origins. Critics, including the U.S. National Intelligence Council, have accused Beijing of impeding investigations and withholding vital information.
WHO’s appeal underscores the continuing need for international cooperation and data-sharing to prevent future global health crises.
