Origins of COVID-19 Still Unclear Amid Data Gaps: WHO Report

The World Health Organization’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) has released its final report on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. After more than three years of research, the panel concluded that while progress has been made, critical gaps in data continue to obstruct a full understanding of how the pandemic began.

The 27-member panel, composed of international, multidisciplinary experts, emphasized that all plausible hypotheses for the virus’s origin remain under consideration — including a possible laboratory incident and zoonotic spillover, the transmission of the virus from animals to humans.

“As things stand, all hypotheses must remain on the table, including zoonotic spillover and lab leak,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We continue to appeal to China and any other country that has information about the origins of COVID-19 to share that information openly, in the interests of protecting the world from future pandemics.”

The report reaffirms the panel’s earlier conclusion that the available evidence leans toward a zoonotic origin — likely involving direct transmission from bats or via an intermediate animal host. However, the group underlined that a definitive assessment cannot be made without further data, much of which has not been provided.

WHO has repeatedly requested that Chinese authorities share detailed information, including early genetic sequences from infected individuals, comprehensive records of animals sold at Wuhan markets, and details about laboratory safety protocols and research activities in Wuhan during the early stages of the outbreak. To date, this information has not been made available to WHO or SAGO.

SAGO’s latest findings build upon its preliminary report released in June 2022. The current report incorporates additional peer-reviewed research, unpublished data, field studies, interviews, and intelligence documents. Since its formation, the advisory group has held 52 sessions, engaging with scientists, journalists, and government representatives around the world.

“This is not solely a scientific endeavor — it is a moral and ethical imperative,” said Dr. Marietjie Venter, Chair of SAGO and Distinguished Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. “Understanding the origins of SARS-CoV-2 is critical to preventing future pandemics, saving lives, and reducing global suffering.”

The investigation into COVID-19’s origins began following a resolution by WHO Member States during a Special Session of the World Health Assembly in late 2020. This led to a joint mission between international and Chinese experts in early 2021, which produced an initial report in March of that year.

In July 2021, WHO launched SAGO with a dual mandate: to develop a global framework for studying the origins of emerging pathogens, and to apply that framework specifically to SARS-CoV-2. The first objective was completed last year, but the second remains a work in progress.

The WHO reiterated its commitment to transparency and scientific collaboration, urging countries and researchers to submit any new evidence that could help clarify the origins of COVID-19.

“The work is far from over,” said Dr. Tedros. “We owe it to the millions of people who lost their lives, and to future generations, to uncover the truth.”