Missing data hinders COVID-19 origin probe, WHO calls for transparency

SWITZERLAND—The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), has released its latest report on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic.

SAGO is a team of 27 independent international experts from various fields.

This report builds on previous findings but highlights that much crucial information needed to understand how the virus emerged fully is still missing.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expressed his gratitude to the SAGO members for their dedication over more than three years to this critical scientific investigation.

He emphasized that, at this stage, all possible explanations remain open, including both natural zoonotic spillover and a laboratory leak.

Dr. Tedros also urged China and any other countries with relevant information about the virus’s origins to share it openly.

He emphasised that transparency is crucial in protecting the world from future pandemics.

In their report, SAGO reviewed the evidence supporting the primary theories about the origin of COVID-19.

They concluded that the most likely scenario is zoonotic spillover, meaning the virus jumped from animals to humans, either directly from bats or through an intermediate animal host.

However, the group also noted that the evidence is incomplete, and further data is needed to confirm this.

The WHO has repeatedly urged China to provide more detailed information, including hundreds of genetic sequences from early COVID-19 cases, data about animals sold at Wuhan markets, and details regarding laboratory work and biosafety conditions in Wuhan.

So far, China has not shared this information with WHO or SAGO, limiting the ability to assess all hypotheses fully.

Since its formation, SAGO has met 52 times in various formats and engaged with researchers, academics, journalists, and other stakeholders to gather and review information.

Their initial report was published in June 2022, and the current update incorporates new peer-reviewed studies, unpublished data, field investigations, interviews, government audits, and intelligence reports.

Dr. Marietjie Venter, Chair of SAGO and a distinguished professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, highlighted that understanding the virus’s origins is not only a scientific challenge but also a moral and ethical responsibility.

She highlighted that discovering how SARS-CoV-2 emerged is vital for preventing future pandemics, saving lives, and alleviating global suffering.

The investigation into the origins of COVID-19 began after WHO Member States passed a resolution in late 2020, calling for a thorough study.

This led to a joint mission by international and Chinese experts visiting China in early 2021, and they published their report in March of that year.

Later, in July 2021, Dr. Tedros established SAGO with two primary objectives: to develop a global framework for investigating emerging pathogens and to apply this framework specifically to the origins of COVID-19.

Despite the progress made, the search for the virus’s origins is far from over.

WHO continues to welcome any new evidence that may shed light on this critical question, and SAGO remains committed to reviewing any additional information that becomes available.

This ongoing effort is crucial in preparing the world to respond more effectively to future health threats.

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