WHO praises China’s openness to identify virus source

GENEVA: The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it appreciates China’s openness to joint efforts by the international science community to identify the source of the virus, and that such a scientific mission should consist of “the right mix of scientific experts from a multinational perspective”.

“We’ve been in discussions day-to-day with our colleagues in China about putting together the necessary scientific inquiries into the origin of the virus, ” Dr Michael Ryan, executive director of WHO Health Emergencies Programme, said in a press conference on Monday.

“I think the authorities in China, governments around the world and ourselves are very keen to understand the animal origin of the virus itself. And I am very pleased to hear a very consistent message coming from China, which is one of openness to such an approach, ” he added.

However, he said a date has not been set yet for a scientific mission.

Technical lead of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, said the organisation has been in regular contact with experts in China.

“We welcome the opportunity to work with them and with the international community, to really understand the virus’ origins and the animal human interface, ” she said.

Meanwhile, Dr Ryan said he was “pleased” to see the publication of the first peer-reviewed journal publications of the vaccine studies from China.

“I think in terms of the number of scientific publications that have come from China over the last number of months is very good and the number of scientific collaborations between Chinese institutions and institutions all over the world is also a very positive sign, ” he said.

On Sunday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that China was open to joint efforts by the international science community to identify the source of the virus. — Xinhua