The declaration will enable the WHO leadership to hold countries accountable for their responses and coordinate support for vulnerable states.
The World Health Organization's director-general on Thursday declared a public health emergency of international concern after receiving a recommendation from the WHO's emergency committee.
Comprising 16 WHO members and five advisers, the committee had two days of discussions the previous week to decide if the situation warranted a PHEIC. On January 23, it said it decided against making the advisement, citing the limited international cases and China's actions to curb the outbreak. "WHO should inform the world about transparency concerning these measures, which should not constitute an example to follow but a decision to reconsider," Houssin said.
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