• The World Health Organization (WHO) is pressing China to share data to help elucidate the origins of COVID-19, marking five years since the virus first emerged.
• In a recent statement, the WHO emphasized that the lack of transparency hinders global preparedness for future pandemics, calling it a "moral and scientific imperative".
• The WHO noted that more than 760 million COVID-19 cases and approximately 6.9 million deaths have been recorded worldwide since its onset.
• China's Foreign Ministry defended its data-sharing record, asserting that it has provided comprehensive information regarding the virus's origins without withholding any details.
• Experts continue to debate whether the virus originated from a natural spillover or a lab leak, with the WHO pushing for increased collaboration to establish clarity on these points.

The call for cooperation comes as the world reflects on the extensive impact of COVID-19, which not only claimed millions of lives but also severely disrupted global economies and health care systems. As the WHO stated, “Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.” The organization urges China to facilitate access to essential data to foster a deeper understanding of the pandemic's origins and to enhance preparedness for potential future outbreaks.

While China touts its contribution to sharing data, the WHO has faced challenges in obtaining critical information, particularly in the early stages of the outbreak. The ongoing debate reflects broader geopolitical tensions regarding accountability and transparency in handling public health crises.

For further details, visit the original source: Al Jazeera.