But this virus has spread at unprecedented scale and speed, with cases passing between people in multiple countries across the world. Declaration of an international emergency will undoubtedly sharpen governments’ focus on protecting citizens.
But we must also step-up as an international community to make sure no one is left behind - with all interventions, including public health measures, diagnostics, treatments and vaccines available to everyone.
Will challenge best resourced countries but will have disproportionate impact on fragile health systems in low and middle income countries. The virus is certainly spreading person-to-person in those with mild symptoms and possibly in those very early in illness with no symptoms.
This makes it extremely challenging to control, and we do not have proven treatments or vaccines. A global epidemic of a rapid-spreading novel respiratory virus like this, which has crossed from animals to humans, is something warned of for many years.
It is also a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are to epidemics of infectious diseases known and unknown.
Accelerating research, with all data promptly shared through the WHO, is key to saving lives and ending this epidemic.
Accelerating research, with all data promptly shared through the WHO, is key to saving lives and ending this epidemic.
While clinicians, public health & researchers globally continue to work tirelessly address many uncertainties & unknowns, robust public health measures critical. Vaccine, treatment & diagnostics trials are underway, but will take time.These need international support & funding.
We also need urgently to determine how long people are infectious, how the virus transmits, who is most at risk – as well as ensuring the best caring for all affected. We must commend China for its response, and its commitment to the health of its citizens and the world.
The nurses, doctors and other health care workers caring for their patients and communities in difficult and often frightening circumstances deserve all our thanks and support.
We must all take this very seriously, use the best available evidence to inform policy, be open about uncertainties and support the public health authorities and healthcare workers working non-stop and in very challenging conditions to keep us all safe.
China is setting a new standard for outbreak response and deserves all our thanks. This is an unprecedented epidemic, it needs an unprecedented response.
To quote @DrTedros - "We must act now to help countries prepare for that possibility. This is the time for facts, not fear. This is the time for science, not rumours. This is the time for solidarity, not stigma." @DrMikeRyan @mvankerkhove @rd_blueprint
@DrTedros @DrMikeRyan @mvankerkhove @rd_blueprint At a time when trust in institutions is low, when over the last 20 years many have rightly called for leadership @WHO - this is what leadership and trust means. Let us all now live up to these statements - @DrTedros #China have done their bit, now it is up to all of us.
