A long-running investigation by the World Health Organization (WHO) into the origins of Covid-19 has failed to determine the source of the virus, primarily due to a lack of transparency and data sharing from China and global intelligence services. The independent panel stated that the most scientifically supported theory remains that Covid-19 originated from bats, either directly or through an intermediary animal sold at Wuhan’s Huanan seafood market, where the first cases emerged in December 2019.
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Dr Marietjie Venter, Chair of the WHO’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), emphasised the market’s “significant role” in spreading the virus, with around 60 per cent of early cases linked to it. However, she noted that no other widespread human or animal infections had been confirmed elsewhere prior to that time. The pandemic has led to an estimated 20 million deaths worldwide, devastating economies and health systems. Determining its origin is crucial for future pandemic preparedness.
Despite multiple requests, Chinese authorities have not shared key data, including early viral sequences and information on animals sold at the market or safety protocols in Wuhan laboratories. WHO Director General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus criticised the lack of cooperation, stating that access to vital intelligence from several governments, including China, had been denied. The CIA and Germany’s BND have both indicated that a laboratory leak remains a strong possibility, though unconfirmed due to insufficient evidence.
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The panel also reviewed alternative theories, including transmission via frozen food imports and deliberate laboratory manipulation. The latter was rejected by SAGO, which found no scientific evidence of genetic engineering. Although the investigation has spanned four years, the WHO maintains that “all hypotheses remain on the table.” Dr Tedros reiterated his call for transparency from nations with relevant data, underlining the global importance of understanding the virus’s origins to help prevent future health crises.
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