WHO Director Tedros at Munich Makes Case To Globally Join with China in Coronavirus Fight

Feb. 17, 2020 (EIRNS)—World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 15, where he reported that the WHO was encouraged that there has not yet been widespread community transmission of the virus outside of China, although that danger still remains. He stressed, as he has on numerous occasions, that China is performing heroically: “The steps China has taken to contain the outbreak at its source appear to have bought the world time. But we don’t know how much time.”

Tedros further stated that the WHO is also encouraged that “the global research community has come together to identify and accelerate the most urgent research needs for diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines,” and that a team of international experts is now on the ground in China, working closely with Chinese counterparts to understand the outbreak, and to inform the next steps in the global response. He stressed that the WHO sent experts to China not because China lacks capacity, but to show solidarity and cooperation, Xinhua reported.

Tedros was also sharply critical of the campaign in some international circles to stigmatize and blame China for the outbreak.

“This is a time for facts, not fear. This is a time for rationality, not rumors. This is a time for solidarity, not stigma,” Tedros concluded.

The WHO website carries the full text of Dr. Tedros’ remarks.