WHO Declares the new Coronavirus Outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern

January 2020 - Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), officially declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

The official declaration followed a critical meeting of the international health regulations emergency committee that took place in Geneva. This committee reached a consensus that the coronavirus outbreak constituted an extraordinary event. With the majority of cases occurring within China, the committee members voiced profound concerns over the potential for the virus to extend its reach to nations unable to manage an influx of infections. This decision marked a significant turning point in the global response to the health crisis, emphasizing the necessity for heightened collaborative efforts among nations.

In his announcement, Dr. Tedros articulated that the declaration was not intended to critique China's response but rather to galvanize international solidarity. He stressed the absence of any rationale for imposing measures that would unnecessarily disrupt international travel and trade. Instead, he urged all governments to focus resources on essential public health measures: early detection, isolation of confirmed cases, and comprehensive contact tracing must be prioritized. This declaration was not only a warning but a strategic initiative urging all member states to implement robust public health responses to avert the escalation into a pandemic.

Designating the outbreak as a public health emergency represented the WHO’s highest level of alarm, meant to catalyze stronger legal and financial coordination among nations. The commitment necessitated countries to collaboratively work towards containing the threat and mobilizing resources effectively. This action was essential to protect global public health and ensure that the world could collectively respond to the unprecedented challenges posed by the coronavirus outbreak.