Asger Risom
The WHO says a lab leak is still a possible origin of COVID-19, citing withheld data from China and other countries as a key barrier to reaching any conclusion.
The World Health Organization has reiterated that a laboratory accident remains a possible origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, as global investigations continue to face major obstacles due to limited access to data from China and other countries.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated Friday that “all four hypotheses remain on the table,” including zoonotic transmission and a lab-related incident.
The comment follows the latest findings from the Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), which has been investigating COVID-19’s origins since 2021.
Data Gaps Hamper Investigation
Tedros criticized China for failing to share key information, such as early genomic sequences and details about animal sales at the Wuhan market where the first infections were detected.
As reported by 20minutos, he also revealed that intelligence reports from other countries, including the U.S. and Germany, were not made available to the WHO or its researchers.
“This investigation is vital to prevent future outbreaks,” Tedros said, emphasizing the moral obligation to understand how the pandemic began.
SAGO chair Marietjie Venter echoed the concern, noting that the zoonotic spillover theory remains the most scientifically supported but cannot be confirmed without more data.
She added that lack of cooperation, particularly around evaluating the lab leak theory, leaves critical gaps in the evidence.
Scientific Uncertainty and Internal Friction
While deliberate lab manipulation is not supported by current scientific reports, Venter said the team would reevaluate all scenarios if new evidence emerges.
The group’s internal divisions were also acknowledged; one expert has resigned, and three others requested anonymity in the published report.
The WHO continues to urge nations to release all available data related to COVID’s origin, underscoring the global need for transparency.
With more than 20 million deaths and $3 trillion in economic losses attributed to the pandemic, experts stress that uncovering its beginnings remains a global priority.
