Some rich countries are “far behind” in sharing information on cases of contamination by the new coronavirus, WHO is calling for international solidarity to fight the epidemic.
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Beijing’s “strong measures” against new coronavirus provide a “window of opportunity” to stop the worldwide spread of the disease that killed 425 people in mainland China alone, the chief executive said on Tuesday. World Health Organization (WHO).
Speaking at a session of the WHO Executive Board in Geneva, Ethiopian Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that “there is a window of opportunity thanks to the strong measures taken by China in the epicenter” of the epidemic. “Let’s not let this window of opportunity pass,” he said.
He also accused some wealthy countries of being “far behind” in sharing information on cases of contamination by the new coronavirus, calling for greater international solidarity to fight the epidemic of viral pneumonia.
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“Of the 176 cases reported so far outside of China, WHO has received complete case reporting forms for only 38% of the cases. Some high-income countries are far behind in sharing this vital data with WHO. I don’t think it is due to lack of capacity, ”he explained.
“Without better data, it is very difficult for us to assess the evolution of the epidemic or the impact it could have and to ensure that we provide the most appropriate recommendations,” he said. added. Twenty countries outside of China have also reported cases.
More than 20,400 cases of contamination by the new coronavirus have been confirmed in China since its appearance on December 31 in Wuhan (center).
Tedros said WHO is sending masks, gloves, and 18,000 protective suits to 24 countries, as well as 250,000 virus detection kits to speed diagnosis.
He also reiterated his call on countries not to impose travel and trade restrictions because “such restrictions can have the effect of increasing fear and stigma without significantly improving public health.” “Where such measures are applied, we urge that they be short-lived and commensurate with risks to public health, and that they be reviewed regularly as the situation evolves,” he said.
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