Today was a really important step forward in work to better understand the origins of #SARSCoV2 & for the emergence of all future novel pathogens of epidemic & pandemic potential…
From the DG @DrTedros speech…
who.int/director-gener…
From the DG @DrTedros speech…
who.int/director-gener…
“Earlier this week, Member States received a circular letter detailing the proposed next steps that the (@WHO) Secretariat will take to advance those studies, in several areas…
“1️⃣ integrated studies of humans, wildlife, captive and farmed animals, and environment, as part of a #OneHealth approach;
“2️⃣ studies prioritizing geographic areas with the earliest indication of circulation of #SARSCoV2, and neighbouring areas where other SARS-related CoV have been found in non-human reservoirs;
3️⃣studies of animal markets in and around Wuhan, incl continuing studies on animals sold at the Huanan wholesale market;
4️⃣ studies related to animal trace-back activities, with additional epidemiology and molecular epidemiology work, including early sequences of the virus;
4️⃣ studies related to animal trace-back activities, with additional epidemiology and molecular epidemiology work, including early sequences of the virus;
“5️⃣ audits of relevant laboratories and research institutions operating in the area of the initial human cases identified in December 2019.
“…Finding where this virus came from is essential not just for understanding how the pandemic started & preventing future outbreaks, but it’s also impt as an obligation to the families of the 4 million people who have lost someone they love, & the millions who have suffered
“… (NEW) @WHO is establishing a permanent International Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO)…
SAGO will play a vital role in the next phase of studies into the origins of #SARSCoV2, as well as the origins of future new pathogens…”
SAGO will play a vital role in the next phase of studies into the origins of #SARSCoV2, as well as the origins of future new pathogens…”
Now from me… this is a big deal. This framework will define, guide and implement a process to study future emergence or re-emergence of outbreak/epidemic/pandemic pathogens.
As I have said so many times and will continue to say… we are so grateful to our member states, to our expert networks, to our partners, to @WHOGOARN, to those who go on @who missions (many of which I’ve been on as @WHO & as an external partner) …& to science.
Science needs to guide the way. It must.
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