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Updated May 1st, 2020 at 17:23 IST

WHO 'keen' to investigate origin of coronavirus on invitation from China

The United States and Australia have been calling for support from WHO members to launch an independent investigation in the origins of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Reported by: Kunal Gaurav
WHO
| Image:self
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As demand for an inquiry into the origin of the coronavirus outbreak gained momentum, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has reportedly said that it is hoping to get an invite from China to take part in its investigations. According to media reports, the UN health agency said that it is not involved in the studies that are currently underway in China to understand the source of the virus outbreak.

The origin of SARS-CoV-2 is not known but preliminary studies suggested that the bats could be the source since the coronavirus present in bats has a genome that is 96 per cent identical to the novel coronavirus. It is believed that pangolin was the immediate host because the bat coronavirus cannot bind to receptors in human cells, however, there has not been any concrete evidence.

The United States and Australia have been demanding an independent investigation into the origins of coronavirus outbreak, especially after French Nobel Laureate Luc Montagnier claimed that it originated from a Wuhan laboratory. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had said that all the members of the WHO should cooperate with the proposed independent inquiry into the spread of coronavirus.

Read: COVID-19: WHO Chief Says UN Agency Has 'no Power Or Force To Reinforce Its Advice'

Morrison had been talking to several world leaders including US President Donald Trump to gather support for an inquiry into the origins of the virus. During a press conference on April 23, Morrison said that the inquiry into the virus outbreak is necessary so that the world can learn the lessons.

Read: WHO Launches Global Collaboration To Ensure Equitable Access To COVID-19 Vaccine

'Obligations on WHO members'

The Australian Prime Minister had said that though the world is in the middle of the pandemic, Australia would have cooperated with such an inquiry irrespective of its timing. Morrison added that any member of the WHO should understand its responsibility in participating in such an organisation.

“If you're going to be a member of a club like the World Health Organization, there should be obligations and responsibilities attached to that,” said the Australian PM.

Read: UN Labour Agency Urges Countries To Protect Workers During And After COVID-19 Lockdown

Read: COVID-19 Vaccine Must Be Affordable, Effective & Universally Available, Says UN Chief

(With agency inputs | Image: AP)

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Published May 1st, 2020 at 17:23 IST

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