World Health Assembly Convenes to Discuss Hantavirus and Ebola Outbreaks

(CNA Geneva, 18th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) The World Health Organization (WHO) held its World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland today. A recent rare Hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and an Ebola virus outbreak in Africa are expected to be key discussion points at this assembly. According to Agence France-Presse, the United States and Argentina's successive announcements of their withdrawal from the WHO this year have plunged the organization into much uncertainty. Recently, the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius experienced an outbreak of Hantavirus, which is often transmitted by infected rodents. The only known Hantavirus strain that can be transmitted from person to person is the Andes virus, which has been detected in six confirmed patients on the ship, drawing international attention. The WHO stated that as of May 8, a total of 8 cases had been reported, with 3 fatalities. Although the Hantavirus outbreak, which has garnered global attention, is not formally on the agenda of this assembly, it is expected to be a major topic of discussion. A new wave of Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has also received significant attention. Yesterday, the WHO announced that the Ebola virus outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda constitutes a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC). An anonymous diplomatic source revealed that observers are watching how the WHO might use these events to "push other issues," including "pressuring the United States and Argentina to stay," which is noteworthy. The US withdrawal from the WHO and the resulting budget and personnel cuts have significantly weakened the organization. The WHO is holding the World Health Assembly from May 18 to 23. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized at the end of April: "We are now in a stable situation and are moving forward." Surie Moon, co-director of the Global Health Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute, told AFP that the current situation is "still fragile, but they have succeeded in raising most of the funds needed for the next two years," adding that the Hantavirus crisis "demonstrates the urgent global need for an effective, trustworthy, impartial, and financially stable WHO." According to reports, it remains unknown whether the WHO will make a specific decision regarding the announced withdrawals of the US and Argentina. The WHO's constitution does not have a withdrawal clause, and no member state's withdrawal has been confirmed to date. Diplomats and observers point out that it is widely believed that maintaining a "gray area" regarding whether the US will actually withdraw may be more appropriate. An anonymous European diplomat said, "We hope the US will pass through this quietly." (Translation: Hong Chi-yuan) 1150518