WHO asks China to share data five years after COVID-19
The World Health Organization (WHO) this week reflected on COVID-19, and ongoing efforts to understand the disease, five years after its emergence.
WHO recalled that on 31 December 2019, its Country Office in China picked up a media statement by the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission from their website on cases of “viral pneumonia” in the city.
“In the weeks, months and years that unfolded after that, COVID-19 came to shape our lives and our world,” the UN agency said on Monday.
Worldwide, there have been 777,074,803 confirmed cases of the disease, which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and more than seven million deaths.
Share data and access
“We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of COVID-19,” WHO said.
“This is a moral and scientific imperative. Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics. “
In marking the five-year milestone, WHO also honoured lives lost to the disease, and recognized those are still suffering from it or from long COVID.
The agency also expressed gratitude to the health workers “who sacrificed so much to care for us, and commit to learning from COVID-19 to build a healthier tomorrow.”
Timeline of actions
WHO has published an interactive timeline of its response to COVID-19.
It said staff initiated emergency procedures on 1 January 2020 and informed the world three days later.
By 9 to12 January, WHO had published its first set of comprehensive guidance for countries, and on 13 January, brought together partners to publish the blueprint of the first SARS-CoV-2 laboratory test.
“All along, we convened experts and ministries of health from around the world, gathered and analysed data, and shared what was reported, what we learned and what it meant for people,” the agency said.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
Related Articles
Decade of slowing deforestation offers hope for forests: FAO data
Lush, green and brimming with trees and wildlife, forests are the Earth’s lungs and source of livelihoods for many communities.
Tamil Nadu on high alert as northeast monsoon intensifies, bringing heavy rains; cyclone risk looms over Bay of Bengal
Several districts across Tamil Nadu are on high alert as the northeast monsoon intensifies following its early onset, raising fears of a potential cyclone formation over the Bay of Bengal.
Despite 77.5% drop in stubble burning, Delhi’s air quality hits a five-year post-Diwali low
Despite a 77.5 percent drop in stubble burning. long seen as a primary cause of Delhi’s winter smog, the capital’s air quality collapsed to a five-year post-Diwali low on Tuesday morning, with PM2.5 levels averaging 488 micrograms per cubic metre, nearly 100 times the World Health Organization’s exposure limit.
Pakistani health department begins investigating two deaths as dengue cases spike
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has launched an investigation into the deaths of two people in Mardan, reportedly caused by dengue fever, as the province’s total number of infections rose to 3,638 with 37 new cases reported on Sunday.
Latest News
Ex-Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Divya Suresh booked in Bengaluru hit-and-run case
Delhi: Two cousins burnt to death after Fortuner SUV catches fire post collision with truck
Centre earns ₹377 cr from scrap disposal, frees 130 lakh sq ft office space under cleanliness drive
Following India's suit, Afghanistan builds dams on Kunar River; restricting Pakistan’s access to water
