WHO Report on World Health Organization (WHO) Report Indicates zoonotic origin of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus, However, Lab Leak Possibility is Not Ruled Out
In a significant development, the WHO’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) has released a report confirming the zoonotic transmission of the coronavirus, either directly from bats or indirectly through an intermediate host. Despite this conclusion, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the lab leak hypothesis continues to be a valid possibility and must remain under consideration. The report highlights that much of the information required to fully assess all hypotheses has not yet been provided, particularly by China, which has not shared critical data related to the origins of the virus.
The WHO requested an extensive dataset from China, including genetic information from early pandemic cases, details on the wildlife sold in Wuhan’s markets, and records of laboratory activities in Wuhan. To date, China has not provided these data to the WHO or the SAGO, as noted in the report. The SAGO’s findings mark the continuation of an ongoing investigation, with the panel concluding that the full picture of the virus’s origin may not be complete yet.
While the WHO’s report acknowledges the zoonotic transmission as the most plausible explanation, it maintains that the lab origin cannot be ruled out. This stance is consistent with WHO’s previous statements and aligns with broader discussions regarding the origin of the virus. The SAGO’s report, published after over three years of investigation, includes information from peer-reviewed studies, field investigations, and various reports, including audit findings, government documentation, and intelligence assessments.
Dr. Peter Daszak, a British zoologist who was invited by the WHO to China in early 2021 to collaborate on the investigation, faced significant barriers. He was disbarred from U.S. health-related work last year and is under investigation for allegedly using American taxpayer funds to support gain-of-function research at a bat lab in Wuhan. This led to further skepticism about the transparency of the Chinese government’s role in the pandemic’s origin and its willingness to share information. The report also draws attention to the role of the U.S. government’s Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, which has criticized the WHO’s handling of the origin investigation and highlighted the influence of political figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci in shaping the narrative.
Additionally, the report mentions that U.S. President Donald Trump had previously banned federal funding for gain-of-function research, citing its potential risks. He had argued that such research could have led to the origin of the virus, a position supported by some experts, including Dr. Marc Siegel. The current report reflects a broader political and scientific debate over the virus’s origin, with many calling for greater transparency from China and other involved entities.
Finally, the WHO reiterated its commitment to seeking further evidence and continuing its investigation, noting the importance of understanding the origins of the virus to prevent future pandemics. Marietjie Venter, chair of the WHO’s SAGO, stressed that this investigation is not only a scientific endeavor but also a moral and ethical obligation for the global community to safeguard public health and prevent the recurrence of such crises in the future.