While calling for further studies and data on origin of SARS-CoV-2 virus, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has concluded that all hypotheses regarding the origin of SARS-CoV-2 — the virus responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, remain open. The report of the international team on their Wuhan field visit, from 14 January to 10 February, was published today as WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for further studies. The report stems from a Member State resolution adopted by consensus at the World
A new report has provided insights into the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on tuberculosis prevention and control measures. According to the report released by the Stop TB Partnership, nine of the countries with the most tuberculosis (TB) cases—representing 60% of the global TB burden—saw a drastic decline in diagnosis and treatment of TB infections in 2020, ranging from 16%-41% (with an average of 23%). The drop brought the overall number of people diagnosed and treated for TB
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has drummed support for improved investments in health systems. According to the organisation’s Director-General, investments in health systems can boost the economy in addition to preventing damage. Speaking at a panel discussion on the intersection of health and economics that was organised by the London School of Economics on 17 March 2021, WHO DG Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the WHO has been trying to make the economic case for investing in health. “The pandemic has made the