Leading Indian epidemiologist in WHO’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origin of Novel Pathogens
India on Thursday again pushed for tracing the origins of COVID-19, a day after the World Health Organization suspended a study on the controversial issue more than a year and a half after the virus was first detected. A group of experts was set up to take it forward. in the Chinese city of Wuhan.
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India’s Raman Gangakhedkar, a noted epidemiologist and Dr CG Pandit national chairman at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is among 26 members of the scientific advisory group to determine the origin of the virus, according to WHO.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing, “I reiterate what I have said so far. We are interested in further studies and data on this issue of origin and requires understanding and cooperation by all concerned.” ” .
He was asked to respond to the formation of a panel of experts to trace the origin of the virus.
Mr Bagchi said he did not have full details of the WHO’s overall decision.
At a news briefing in Geneva on Wednesday, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the establishment of the Scientific Advisory Group on the Origin of Novel Pathogens (SAGOs).
“SAGO will advise WHO on the development of a global framework to define and guide studies into the origin of emerging and re-emerging pathogens with pandemic and pandemic potential, including SARS-CoV-2,” he said.
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In a report in April, the WHO said it was unlikely that the coronavirus leaked from a laboratory in Wuhan and most likely originated in bats and then spread to humans.
The report failed to meet the expectations of the US and several other major countries.
Following the publication of the report, the US and several other countries expressed concern over Chinese officials not providing complete data to the WHO team probing the origins of the virus.
In its response, India had said that it shared the need for a comprehensive and expert-led mechanism that would expeditiously investigate the origin of COVID-19 with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
On Wednesday, the WHO said 26 scientists come from multiple countries, and were selected from more than 700 applications following a global call.
It said there would be a two-week public consultation period for the WHO to receive feedback on the proposed SAGO members.
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