The WHO usually declares a public health emergency of international concern, a level below a pandemic in its alert system, after consulting an expert committee. In this instance, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the decision independently, citing the “extraordinary” circumstances and limited knowledge about the virus’s true spread.
“The event necessitates international coordination and cooperation to comprehend the outbreak’s extent, synchronize surveillance, prevention, and response activities, enhance and fortify operations, and ensure the capacity to enforce control measures,” stated the WHO.
The alert coincides with the eve of the WHO’s annual decision-making assembly in Geneva, where countries were set to finalize a treaty to shield the world from pandemic threats. However, negotiators will request additional time after failing to resolve disagreements on the sharing of pathogen samples and data, as well as drugs and vaccines.
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