3 years on since COVID 'pandemic', WHO chief says finding origins a 'moral imperative'
3 years on since COVID 'pandemic', WHO chief says finding origins a 'moral imperative'
The World Health Organization (WHO) three years ago on 11 March 2020 declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. However, its origins still remain unknown, even though many reports claim it is China's Wuhan province from where the virus originated.
Marking three years into the COVID 'pandemic', WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that discovering the origins of COVID-19 is a moral imperative. In a tweet on Saturday, Tedros asserted that all hypotheses around the virs must be explored to help prevent future outbreaks.
"Understanding #COVID19’s origins and exploring all hypotheses remains:-a scientific imperative, to help us prevent future outbreaks-a moral imperative, for the sake of the millions of people who died and those who live with #LongCOVID," Tedros wrote.
Also Read | Murder suspect gives the slip to security officials, escapes US courtroom
A WHO-led team concluded in 2021 that the virus had likely been spread from bats to humans via another animal, though more investigation was required. But China claims that no more visits are required.
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Why did India turn down the US offer for F-35 fighter jets? EXPLAINED
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Can't rip open my chest but...': On Day 11 of student protest, Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren breaks silence
)
Why did FSSAI ban the sale of Old Monk, Antiquity Blue and other liquor brands?
)
'Words had single meaning': Udhayanidhi Stalin denies 'double meaning' remark on actress Trisha, claims he was 'treated like terrorist'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 bowlers in latest ICC ODI rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Can an S-400 detect a bird?
)
‘India’s FCRA bill an attack on Christians, could hit bilateral ties,’ says US lawmaker
)
Trump, Putin kissing in Amsterdam? Pride parade’s ‘couple’ goes viral | WATCH
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are iPhones so expensive compared to Android phones?
)
Another assassination attempt? Armed man arrested at Trump's golf course ahead of presidential visit to LA
)
Punjab Assembly passes resolution against Centre's mandatory E20 petrol rollout
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
'Should not be bullied': CJP says movement will expand beyond protests. Politics, or something bigger?
)
WMO warns Super El Niño is set to become monstrous between Aug-Oct - This was 'only a warm-up act'
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
Influencer killed on livestream: Mexican cartel boss' son asked dad to kill woman who broke up with him
)
Trump goes 'bing bing bing' 11 times within 5 seconds at Iran war briefing
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
7 longest flights in the world - Singapore, Qantas, Qatar and others
)
Who is Devendra Nath Mahto, Jharkhand’s 'Sonam Wangchuk' fasting for protesting students?
)
Indian vessel sinks after Red Sea attack off Yemen; all crew rescued
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters in latest ICC Test rankings 2026 - check who sits at the top
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Sujatha Vijayakumar? The producer defending daughter Aarti in Ravi Mohan divorce battle
)
Tamil Nadu leader Udhayanidhi Stalin draws severe backlash over derogatory remark against Trisha
)
'World's most beautiful village' with only 627 people generated Rs 58 lakh in traffic fines in 2025
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
Did military GPS jamming cause a plane to crash in New Mexico? Here's what a report says
)
Ghajini villain Pradeep Rawat passes away at 74 after battle with cancer
Since then, the WHO has established a scientific advisory group on dangerous pathogens, but it hasn't made any determinations about how the pandemic started since it claims that important pieces of information are lacking.
Also Read | 'Trump was wrong': Mike Pence criticises former Prez for 'endangering' his family
A US Energy Department report earlier said that the COVID pandemic was most likely brought on by an unintentional Chinese laboratory leak. This increased pressure on the WHO to provide an explanation. However, the department deemed its level of confidence in its assessment as “low,” people who read the report told the WSJ news portal.
Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit U.S. in June; engagement with India to counter China
However, Beijing has refuted the report completely and said that the "origins-tracing of SARS-CoV-2 is about science and should not be politicised."
WATCH WION LIVE HERE
You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.