WHO-Convened Global Study of Origins of SARS-CoV-2: China Part (Text Extract)

Abstract

In May 2020, the World Health Assembly in resolution WHA73.1 requested the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) to continue to work closely with theWorld Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and countries, as part of the OneHealth approach, to identify the zoonotic source of the virus and the route of introduction to the human population, including the possible role of intermediate hosts. The aim is to prevent both reinfections with the virus in animals and humans and the establishment of new zoonotic reservoirs, thereby reducing further risks of the emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases. In July 2020, WHO and China began the groundwork for studies to better understand the origins of the virus. Terms of Reference (TORs) were agreed that defined a phased approach, and the scope of studies, the main guiding principles and expected deliverables. The TORs envisaged an initial Phase 1 of short-term studies to better understand how the virus might have been introduced and started to circulate in Wuhan, China. The joint international team comprised 17 Chinese and 17 international experts from other countries, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) (Annex B). The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) participated as an observer. Following initial online meetings, a joint study was conducted over a 28-day period from January 14 to February 10, 2021 in the city of Wuhan, People’s Republic of China. The team agreed on a workplan and established working groups to review the progress made in Phase 1 studies in the areas of epidemiology, animals and the environment, and molecular epidemiology and bioinformatics. During the course of the discussions, the international experts gained deeper understanding of the methods used and data obtained. In response to requests during the visit, further data and analyses were generated, reflecting a productive iterative approach to refining the design and interpretation of complex studies in all areas. In addition to group work, the team shared scientific and thematic presentations on relevant topics to help inform its work,