WHO tells China to share data on COVID-19 on time

The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the importance of data collection and timely release in order to help China and the rest of the world create accurate risk assessments and advise appropriate responses.

This was stressed during a high-level meeting that took place on December 30 between WHO and China about the current surge in COVID cases, to seek further information on the situation, and to offer WHO’s expertise and further support. 

High-level officials from China’s National Health Commission and the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration briefe WHO on China’s evolving strategy and actions in the areas of epidemiology, monitoring of variants, vaccination, clinical care and communication. 

In a statement issued after talks with Chinese officials the UN health agency, WHO again asked for regular sharing of specific and real-time data on the epidemiological situation- including more genetic sequencing data, data on disease impact including hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths and data on vaccinations delivered and vaccination status, especially in vulnerable people and those over 60 years old.   

WHO called on China to strengthen viral sequencing, clinical management and impact assessment, and expressed willingness to provide support on these areas, as well as on risk communications on vaccination to counter hesitancy.