Covid-19: WHO asks China to share specific, real-time data
Geneva (Switzerland), December 31: World Health Organization has again asked for specific and real-time data on the Covid-19 situation in China, according to the statement released by the WHO website.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus met with Chinese officials in which WHO asked for more genetic sequencing data, data on disease impact including hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths, and data on vaccinations delivered and vaccination status, especially in vulnerable people and those over 60 years old.
WHO emphasised the importance of vaccination and boosters in protecting people at high risk from severe disease and death.
China's National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration briefed WHO on the country's evolving strategy and actions in epidemiology, variant monitoring, vaccination, clinical care, communication, and research and development.
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During the meeting, WHO urged China to improve its clinical management and impact assessment, and expressed willingness to assist in these areas, as well as in risk communication about vaccination to combat hesitancy. In addition, the WHO invited Chinese scientists to participate more closely in COVID-19 expert networks, including clinical management.
According to the statement, WHO has invited Chinese scientists to present detailed data on viral sequencing at a meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on SARS-CoV-2 Virus Evolution on January 3.
"WHO stressed the importance of monitoring and the timely publication of data to help China and the global community to formulate accurate risk assessments and to inform effective responses," the statement added.
Earlier on Thursday, Ghebreyesus held a press conference and stated that the global body is concerned about the evolving situation in China, where COVID-19 infections are on the rise after curbs were relaxed.
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- ANI
