WHO, "Research Team to Be Dispatched to China Next Week for COVID-19 Origin Investigation"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The World Health Organization (WHO) announced plans to dispatch an investigation team to China next week to accurately determine the origin of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This investigation is interpreted as a response to the global COVID-19 cases surpassing 10 million with signs of resurgence, as well as the persistent accusations of China’s responsibility.

According to foreign media such as CNBC, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated during a virtual press briefing held at the WHO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland on the 29th (local time), "It is very important to understand how the virus started and what we can do to prepare for the future," adding, "An investigation team will be dispatched to China next week to determine the origin of COVID-19."

WHO expects this investigation to serve as a foundation for effective vaccine development. Mike Ryan, WHO Executive Director for Emergency Preparedness and Response, emphasized the importance of knowing the virus’s origin for vaccine development, saying, "We are working to find a COVID-19 vaccine that is safe and effective, but success is not guaranteed."

He also mentioned, "It was inappropriate for U.S. President Donald Trump to use the term 'Kung Flu' to disparage China in relation to COVID-19, and language based on mutual respect should be used." This statement is seen as a critical stance against the China-responsibility theory related to COVID-19 raised by the U.S. and other Western countries.

Although about 100 vaccine and treatment development projects are underway worldwide, there are also forecasts that even if a vaccine is developed, COVID-19 will not be easily eradicated. Director-General Ghebreyesus expressed concern, saying, "The worst is yet to come. Many people are still vulnerable to infection. The virus still has plenty of room to move."

Anthony Fauci, Director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the National Institutes of Health, explained in an interview with CNN, "There is low confidence in vaccines being developed at such a rapid pace, and since the actual efficacy of the vaccines is not precisely known, even if a vaccine is developed, it will be difficult to achieve herd immunity through increased immunity." He added, "Education is also needed for the anti-vaccine movement that has arisen due to misunderstandings about vaccines."