WHO Secretary-General: "Emergency Not Declared Because of China"

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC) regarding the novel coronavirus, explaining that the decision was not based on the situation within China.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, held a press conference on the 30th (local time) after an emergency committee meeting, stating, "The main reason for declaring the (international emergency) is not China, but what is happening in other countries as well." He added, "This declaration is not a vote of no confidence against China." He explained that the primary reason for the emergency declaration was the spread overseas rather than the outbreak within China.

After the emergency committee meeting on the 23rd, Director-General Ghebreyesus visited China, met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and positively evaluated China's response.

He stated, "If this virus spreads to countries with vulnerable health systems, we do not know what damage it could cause," and emphasized, "We must take measures now to prepare for such a possibility." Director-General Ghebreyesus also said, "In the past few weeks, we have witnessed the emergence of a pathogen previously unknown, which has expanded into an unprecedented outbreak."

These remarks contrast with the decision to postpone declaring an emergency just a week ago, despite holding two meetings, citing the need for more detailed data.