More than three years after COVID-19 emerged, the World Health Organization’s advisory group has released its final report on the origins of the virus. The report underscores a troubling reality: without greater transparency and cooperation, the world may never know how this global pandemic began. It calls on governments to release critical data and invest in stronger systems to investigate future outbreaks.
New Delhi (ABC Live): Origin of COVID-19 After over three years of scientific analysis, geopolitical tension, and global anticipation, the World Health Organization’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) has released its final report on the origins of SARS-CoV-2—the virus behind COVID-19. Despite thorough investigation and new genomic data, the report does not reach a conclusive answer. The origins—whether from a natural spillover or a lab-related incident—remain unresolved.
The 150-page report, published on June 27, 2025, is the most comprehensive review to date. It includes peer-reviewed studies and classified intelligence. Yet it highlights a stark reality: we may never know how the virus that killed over 20 million people entered the human population.
Key Findings: Two Main Hypotheses
SAGO reviewed four origin theories but ruled out two due to insufficient evidence:
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Hypothesis 3: Cold chain transmission via imported frozen food lacks new supporting data since 2022.
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Hypothesis 4: Deliberate genetic engineering appears highly unlikely based on current genomic evidence.
The remaining two possibilities—natural spillover and an accidental lab incident—remain under consideration.
According to the report, the closest known viral relatives came from bats in China (2013) and Laos (2020). However, none match closely enough to be the virus’s direct source.
Evidence still leans toward natural zoonotic transmission. Genetic material from animals such as raccoon dogs was found at Wuhan’s Huanan Seafood Market (HSM). Samples from stalls in December 2019 tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Yet, no infected animals have been identified to confirm the origin.
SAGO also cannot rule out a lab-related incident. This scenario could involve a field collection accident or a biosafety breach.
A key limitation is the absence of critical lab records and health data from Wuhan facilities, including the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
China’s Role and the Data Gap
The report repeatedly cites missing information from China as a major obstacle.
WHO submitted several requests to Chinese authorities for original health records, lab logs, and biosafety audits. As of June 2025, China has not responded.
Without access to this data, the report states, the virus’s origin will likely remain unknown.
Further complicating matters, three SAGO members—from China, Russia, and Cambodia—refused to be listed as co-authors. One member resigned without explanation.
Retrospective Clues and Ongoing Uncertainty
Early cases discovered outside China—via blood samples or wastewater in countries like France, Italy, Brazil, and the U.S.—suggest undetected spread. However, many of these early detections remain unverified by independent labs.
Wildlife studies across Asia have not found any virus strain close enough to SARS-CoV-2 to confirm a direct animal source. Efforts to identify intermediary hosts, such as civets or mink, are still incomplete.
Science and Politics Collide
The report’s lack of clarity has fueled political narratives. U.S. lawmakers continue to cite lab-origin theories as evidence of a cover-up. Chinese officials reject transparency criticisms and point to imported food and early foreign cases.
SAGO Chair Prof. Marietjie Venter emphasized the broader stakes:
“This is not just a scientific issue. It’s a moral obligation. The world deserves to know the truth and to be better prepared.”
Next Steps: Urging Transparency
SAGO urges countries with early cases or high-containment labs to release relevant data. It also recommends long-term investments in global systems to investigate future outbreaks. These systems should include biosafety standards, wildlife monitoring, and international cooperation.
However, with political divides growing and the pandemic fading from public focus, it’s unclear if this call will lead to action.
Conclusion
The WHO’s final report confirms a sobering truth: despite global effort, we still lack definitive evidence about COVID-19’s origin. What is clear is that global cooperation, transparency, and preparedness will be crucial in preventing the next pandemic—wherever it begins.
Source Document
? WHO SAGO Full Report on SARS-CoV-2 Origins (2025)
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