WHO calls on China to share real-time data

UPDATE DAY

The World Health Organization (WHO) met with Chinese officials on Friday to discuss the explosion in the number of cases of COVID-19 contamination in their country, calling on them to share the data in real time so that other countries can respond effectively. 

“A high-level meeting was held on December 30 between WHO and China regarding the current upsurge in cases of COVID-19, in order to obtain further information on the situation and to offer WHO expertise and support,” the UN health agency said in a statement.

“WHO has again requested the regular sharing of specific and real-time data on the epidemiological situation, including more data on genetic sequencing and on the impact of the disease, including hospitalizations, admissions to units intensive care and deaths”, according to the press release.

She also requested data on the vaccinations carried out and the vaccination status, in particular among vulnerable people and those over 60, continued WHO.

“WHO has reiterated the importance of vaccinations and boosters to protect those at highest risk from severe disease and death,” the Geneva-based international organization said.

< p>“WHO called on China to strengthen viral sequencing, clinical treatment of patients and impact assessment. She expressed her readiness to provide support in these areas, as well as on communication of the risks associated with vaccination in order to dispel resistance,” she added.

Discussions took place comes after a week in which WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus urged Chinese authorities to be more forthcoming about the COVID-19 situation.

Rising infections in China has sparked worldwide concern and questions over data reporting, with official case and death figures low while some hospitals and morgues are overwhelmed.