Following the recent emergence of a new strain of Coronavirus in China, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the outbreak a global health emergency.
PulseNets learned that the international health body raised concerns over the virus’ potential to spread to countries with fragile healthcare systems.
Speaking to reporters in Geneva, WHO’s Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, disclosed that the organisation’s epidemic committee, in a nearly unanimous decision, classified the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Tedros told PulseNets that the decision, which was not taken lightly, reflects developments not only in China but across other countries worldwide.
He stated, “Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems and which are ill-prepared to deal with it.
“Let me be clear, this declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China,” Tedros emphasized.
PulseNets reported that while highlighting China’s efforts to manage the outbreak, the WHO chief underscored the need for global collaboration. Tedros outlined measures to curb the spread of the virus, including accelerating vaccine development and implementing other control strategies.
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For the past few days, PulseNets learnt that Chinese health authorities have been grappling with increasing cases from the outbreak, overwhelming hospitals and health workers.
However, PulseNets reported that despite the strain on China’s healthcare system, no fatalities have been recorded since the disease emerged.
