Thread by @WHO

WHO Statement on advancing the next series of studies to find the origins of the #COVID19 virus:
bit.ly/37CrfKh

Since the start of the #COVID19 pandemic, WHO has been working with Member States and the scientific community to better understand how this pandemic began so that we can be better prepared for the next one.

Following the publication of the WHO-#China joint report of the phase I studies on the origins of the #COVID19 virus in March 2021, WHO has outlined the next series of studies that need to be undertaken & continues to be in discussions with Member States & experts on next steps.

To move forward, WHO calls for all governments to depoliticize the situation and cooperate to accelerate the #COVID19 virus origins studies, and importantly to work together to develop a common framework for future emerging pathogens of pandemic potential.

WHO’s priority is for scientists to build on the first phase of studies, implement the recommendations outlined in the March 2021 report and accelerate scientific efforts on all hypotheses. #COVID19

The search for the #COVID19 virus origins isn't & shouldn't be an exercise in attributing blame, finger-pointing or political point-scoring. It's vital to know how the pandemic began, to set an example for establishing the origins of all future animal-human spillover events.

Countries have a collective responsibility to work together in the true spirit of partnership and to ensure scientists & experts have the space they need to find the origins of the worst pandemic in a century. #COVID19

Building on what has already been learned, the next series of studies would include a further examination of the raw data from the earliest cases & sera from potential early cases in 2019. Access to data is critically important for evolving our understanding of science. #COVID19

The Intl. Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) is a new advisory group for WHO, which will be responsible for advising WHO on the development of a 🌍 framework to systematically study the emergence of future emerging pathogens with pandemic potential.

For #COVID19 virus origins, The International Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) will support the rapid undertaking of recommended studies outlined in the March 2021 report.

Searching for the origins of any novel pathogen is a difficult process, which is based on science, and takes collaboration, dedication and time.

WHO is committed to following the science, and we call on all governments to put differences aside and work together to provide all data and access required so that the next series of studies can be commenced as soon as possible.