WHO says China's virus actions give world chance to act

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that China's stringent measures against the novel coronavirus have provided a crucial "window of opportunity" for the world to prevent widespread transmission, despite the virus being declared a global health emergency.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that while 99% of cases are in China, only 176 cases have been reported globally, underscoring the chance to act decisively.

However, Tedros criticized some wealthy nations for lagging in sharing vital data on virus cases, which hinders the WHO's ability to monitor the outbreak and provide effective recommendations.

He noted that the WHO has received complete case report forms for only 38% of cases outside China, emphasizing the need for better data to understand and manage the evolving situation.

The WHO is prioritizing support for countries with weaker health systems, focusing on their capacity to detect, diagnose, and isolate potential cases to prevent international spread.

To aid these efforts, the WHO is dispatching essential medical supplies, including masks, gloves, protective gowns, and test kits, to 24 countries.

Tedros also urged countries to avoid imposing travel and trade restrictions, as these measures can foster fear and stigma without significant public health benefits, and should be temporary and proportionate if implemented.