The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified the recent COVID-19 outbreak in China as a global health emergency, highlighting concerns about its potential impact on countries with limited healthcare resources.

During a briefing in Geneva, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus clarified that this declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is not a reflection of doubt in China’s handling of the situation but a necessary step to curb the virus’s global spread.

“Our greatest concern is the potential for the virus to spread to countries with weaker health systems,” Dr. Tedros said. “This declaration is not a vote of no confidence in China. WHO remains confident in China’s ability to manage the outbreak.”

The WHO emergency committee, which met to assess the situation and was chaired by Didier Houssin, made a nearly unanimous recommendation that led to the decision.

Since its inception fifteen years ago, the PHEIC designation has been used six times. It sets off a concerted global reaction that includes initiatives to boost medication and vaccine development, fortify health systems, and counteract disinformation.

As nations increase surveillance and public health efforts to stop the virus’s spread, WHO’s proclamation emphasises the critical need for worldwide readiness.