WHO Expert Group Releases Inconclusive COVID-19 Origin Report

After more than three years of investigation, a World Health Organization-appointed expert group has concluded that the origins of COVID-19 remain inconclusive. Most scientific evidence supports the theory that the virus originated from animals, likely bats, and spread to humans via an intermediate host, but no definitive animal source has been confirmed. The group was unable to access critical data from China, including hundreds of viral genetic sequences and detailed biosecurity records, which prevented a thorough investigation of the lab-leak hypothesis. While the lab-leak theory is considered speculative and politically charged, it could not be ruled out due to the lack of data. The 27-member panel did not reach consensus, with internal disagreements leading to member resignations and anonymity requests. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the moral urgency of determining the pandemic’s origins, given its devastating toll of over 20 million deaths and trillions of dollars in global economic losses.