Wuhan pneumonia listed as WHO's "International Public Health Emergency" China response

Instant international

Written by: Hu Longhua

2020-01-31 07:23

With the deterioration and spread of the pneumonia epidemic caused by the new coronavirus in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on January 30 that the epidemic constituted an "public health emergency of international concern" and China responded.

Regarding the WHO's decision, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Hua Chunying said on January 31 that the Chinese government has adopted the most comprehensive attitude to the people ’s health since the outbreak of pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus. The most stringent measures for prevention and control, many of which far exceed the requirements of the International Health Regulations. We are fully confident and capable to win the battle against epidemic prevention and control.

Pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China is spreading globally, causing great concern. (AP)

Hua Chunying also emphasized that at the same time, the Chinese side timely notified the relevant parties of the epidemic situation and shared the viral gene sequence in an open, transparent and responsible manner. The World Health Organization and many countries fully affirm and highly appraise this.

She pointed out that China and WHO have maintained close communication and good cooperation. WHO experts went to Wuhan for field inspections. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited China a few days ago, and he has worked with China on prevention and control of the epidemic. They exchanged views, fully affirmed China's prevention and control work, and highly appreciated China's tremendous contribution to the world in fighting the epidemic. China is willing to continue to work with WHO and other countries to jointly safeguard global and regional public health security.

World Health Organization Director-General Tan Desai held a press conference in Geneva on the evening of January 30, stating that the pneumonia epidemic of new coronavirus infection has constituted an international public health emergency of public concern. Tandersey stressed that WHO does not support or even oppose the imposition of travel or trade bans on China.

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