JNS: The World Health Organization (WHO) has marked the fifth anniversary of COVID-19’s emergence, reflecting on the global response to the pandemic and the ongoing efforts to understand the disease. WHO issued a call for continued transparency from China regarding the origins of the virus, emphasizing the importance of sharing data and granting access to ensure preparedness for future public health threats.
On December 31, 2019, the WHO China office first encountered a media statement from the Wuhan Municipal Health Commission, reporting cases of “viral pneumonia” in the city. This marked the beginning of what would become a global health crisis, WHO noted. Over the following months and years, COVID-19 shaped lives worldwide, leading to 777 million confirmed cases and more than seven million deaths.
In a statement issued Monday, the UN health agency reiterated its call for China to share critical data and provide access to help understand the origins of COVID-19. “This is a moral and scientific imperative,” WHO said. “Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.”
As part of the five-year commemoration, WHO honoured the lives lost to the pandemic and acknowledged the ongoing struggles of those suffering from COVID-19 and long COVID. The agency also paid tribute to healthcare workers who made significant sacrifices during the crisis, pledging to learn from the pandemic to build a healthier future.
WHO also highlighted the timeline of its own actions in response to the pandemic. Emergency procedures were initiated on January 1, 2020, with global notifications sent out just days later. By January 9-12, WHO had published its first comprehensive guidance for countries, and on January 13, it collaborated with global partners to develop the blueprint for the first SARS-CoV-2 laboratory test.
“Throughout the pandemic, we convened experts, analyzed data, and shared crucial information to guide public health efforts across the world,” WHO said. “Our work continues, and we remain committed to addressing the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.”
