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The World Health Organization has invited experts to join a new advisory group it is forming, as the organization actively seeks to investigate the origin of the Corona virus pandemic.
And she said in a statement on Friday that the new scientific panel will provide the World Health Organization with an independent analysis of the work that has been done so far to identify the origins of Covid-19, and advise the organization on the necessary next steps. not.
Experts will also provide advice on critical issues related to the potential emergence of other viruses capable of spreading, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Ebola.
The World Health Organization said it is seeking around 25 officials with relevant expertise to apply to its new science advisory group by September 10.
In March, a team of international experts led by the organization released a preliminary report which considered it “extremely unlikely” that the origins of Covid-19 were linked to the virus’ leak from a laboratory.
Although scientists believe the virus was most likely transmitted to humans from animals, the theory that a laboratory was involved in the origin of the virus has strengthened in recent months, with a review of the intelligence ordered by US President Joe Biden to explore this possibility.
Critics attacked the organization’s initial assessment, saying it was an inaccurate effort and noting that all members of the team sent to China needed government approval, as has been done in the organization’s report.
Last month, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus admitted it was “too early” to dismiss the theory that the virus had leaked from a lab, calling the lab accidents of “currents”.
In a Danish documentary released earlier this month, the organization’s team leader said during a trip to China that he was concerned about safety standards at a facility near the first place where cases of Covid-19 have been discovered (Wuhan, China), concerns that were undisclosed in the former World Health Organization.
A number of health experts and scientists have called for an independent investigation outside the World Health Organization, noting that the organization does not have the power to compel countries, including China, to cooperate with it.
According to the terms of reference identified on Friday, the organization’s new group of experts will also adhere to specific privacy rules, similar to those in effect in many of the organization’s other expert groups.
Group guidelines state that members will not speak on behalf of the organization or group to any third party, that internal consultations should be treated as “strictly confidential” and that they should not cite or use any material outside the group. .
The organization will retain full control over the reports, including whether or not they are published.
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