Ex-WHO chief calls virus origin hunt 'disrespectful'

Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, former director-general of the World Health Organization, speaks on Wednesday during a news conference at the second conference of the Global Health Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, former director-general of the World Health Organization, said on Wednesday that it is disrespectful to all mankind for some countries to hype the origins of the novel coronavirus.

She said that people's lives and health should be placed before politics.

Chan made the remark during a news conference at the second conference of the Global Health Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia currently being held in Qingdao, Shandong province.

With more than 40 years of experience in public health, Chan said she has witnessed multiple epidemics around the world, including acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, the 2003 SARS epidemic and Ebola.

She said that most of the newly found epidemics originated from animals and nature, according to her own experience and the experience of other experts, especially those specializing in animal and health studies.

Chan said the whole world is interested in the origin of the conoravirus, noting that the WHO had sent a team of experts to Wuhan, Hubei province, to carry out a detailed investigation.

"I participated in the news conference on the investigation and listened carefully to opinions from experts," Chan said, adding that she agreed with the conclusion.

Supported by the Boao Forum for Asia and the Shandong People's Government, the second conference of the Global Health Forum of the Boao Forum for Asia is being held both online and offline until Friday. It includes an opening ceremony, two general meetings, 33 subforums and 15 key activities.