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The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared a new COVID-19 outbreak in China a global health emergency, citing concerns over its potential to spread to countries with weaker health systems.
Announcing the decision in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that the declaration, known as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), is aimed at preventing further global transmission rather than a lack of confidence in China’s response.
“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems,” Dr. Tedros said. “This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China. WHO remains confident in China’s ability to manage the outbreak.”
The decision followed a near-unanimous recommendation from WHO’s emergency committee, chaired by Didier Houssin, which convened to evaluate the situation.
This marks the sixth use of the PHEIC designation since its introduction 15 years ago. It triggers a coordinated international response, including efforts to accelerate vaccine and drug development, strengthen health systems, and combat misinformation.
WHO’s declaration underscores the urgent need for global preparedness as countries heighten surveillance and public health measures to curb the virus’s spread.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
