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The World Health Organization is establishing a “permanent” new group to study the origins of COVID-19, and will soon launch an open call for nominations for members.
The International Scientific Advisory Group for Origins of Novel Pathogens, or SAGO, will play a role in the next phase of the study on the origins of the virus, but also on the origins of future new pathogens, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a statement delivered to member states on Friday.
He said members of this new group will be selected based on their technical expertise while taking into account gender balance and geographical representation. WHO will also appoint technical advisers to SAGO.
“I thank China and other Member States who wrote to me yesterday, and I agree that finding the origins of this virus is a scientific exercise that must be kept free from politics,” Tedros said.
“For that to happen, we expect China to support this next phase of the scientific process by sharing all relevant data in a spirit of transparency,” he added, while also asking member states to support the process “by refraining from politicising it.”
The announcement follows Tedros’ remarks Thursday during a press briefing where he asked China to share raw data, be transparent, and cooperate for the next phase of the study.
In a series of tweets Friday, Chinese government spokesperson Hua Chunying reiterated the WHO-China joint mission report “is authoritative, science-based & widely recognized” and urged “relevant parties to stop politicizing the issue of origin-tracing.”
The first phase of the study on the origins of the virus generated huge interest, but also questions, particularly on the part of the investigating team’s report calling the laboratory incident theory “extremely unlikely.” Tedros said more information is needed to be able to exclude that theory.
WHO will develop operational plans and terms of reference for the next series of studies, and will work together with member states and the international scientific community, said the WHO director-general.
About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
