The World Health Organization discussed the current situation of Covid-19 with the Chinese authorities.

On December 30, a high-level meeting was held between WHO and China to discuss the current increase in Covid-19 cases, to seek additional information on the situation, and to discuss WHO’s experience and additional support.

Senior officials from the National Health Commission of China and the National Administration of Disease Control and Prevention briefed the WHO on China’s evolving strategy in the areas of epidemiology, surveillance, vaccination, clinical care, communication and R&D.

The WHO called for the regular sharing of specific and real-time data on the epidemiological situation – including more genetic sequencing data, information on the impact of disease on hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths – and information on vaccinations given and vaccination status, particularly in vulnerable populations. and over 60 years old. He reiterated the importance of vaccination and boosters to prevent severe disease and death in high-risk populations.

The World Health Organization has called on China to strengthen viral sequencing, clinical management and impact assessment, and expressed its willingness to provide support in these areas, as well as communication on vaccines to prevent hesitancy. Chinese scientists have been invited to further participate in WHO-led Covid-19 expert networks, including the Covid-19 Clinical Management Network. The World Health Organization has invited Chinese scientists to present detailed information on the virus sequence at a meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on the Evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus on January 3.

The World Health Organization has stressed the importance of timely publication of monitoring and data for China and the international community to formulate accurate risk assessments and inform effective responses.