WHO to launch global platform for collaborative sharing of data about coronavirus

The World Health Organization (WHO) will launch a global platform for open, collaborative sharing of knowledge, data and intellectual property on existing and new health tools in the next few weeks to help countries combat the COVID-19, the WHO chief said on Friday.

Speaking at a press conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the WHO has accepted Costa Rican President’s proposal to set up a database of vaccines, medicines and other tools to combat COVID-19, and will launch a global platform accordingly.

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“These tools provide additional hope of overcoming COVID-19, but they will not end the pandemic if we cannot ensure equitable access to them. In this extraordinary circumstances, we need to unleash the full power of science, to deliver innovations that are scalable, usable and benefit everyone, everywhere, at the same time,” said Tedros.

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Besides, Tedros said that investing in health is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.

“Over the past few months, across the world, we have shown that when countries implement a comprehensive strategy, they can effectively contain and suppress the spread of the virus, while minimizing the impact on lives and livelihoods. The pandemic has shown again and in the strongest way possible, that investing in health is not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do,” said Tedros.

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In addition, the WHO chief hopes to exchange experience of epidemic prevention and control with representatives of countries and discuss rebuilding stronger health systems at the 73rd World Health Assembly, which will be held virtually on Monday.