0
0
The World Health Organization’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO), a panel of 27 independent international experts, published its much-anticipated report on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, on June 27, 2025.
Key Findings and Ongoing Questions
SAGO’s report marks a significant step forward in understanding how COVID-19 emerged. The group reviewed available evidence for the primary hypotheses regarding the virus’s origin and concluded that “the weight of available evidence…suggests zoonotic spillover…either directly from bats or through an intermediate host.” However, the report also stresses that much of the information needed to fully evaluate all hypotheses—including the possibility of a laboratory incident—remains unavailable.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, reiterated the need for transparency and further data sharing. “As things stand, all hypotheses must remain on the table, including zoonotic spillover and lab leak. We continue to appeal to China and any other country that has information about the origins of COVID-19 to share that information openly, in the interests of protecting the world from future pandemics,” he stated.
Calls for Greater Transparency
The report notes that WHO has requested China to share hundreds of genetic sequences from early COVID-19 patients, detailed information about animals sold at Wuhan markets, and data on laboratory work and biosafety conditions in Wuhan. To date, this information has not been shared with SAGO or WHO, limiting the ability to draw definitive conclusions.
A Global, Ongoing Effort
SAGO’s work builds on previous investigations, including a joint mission by international and Chinese experts in early 2021. Since its formation in July 2021, SAGO has convened 52 times, engaging with researchers, academics, journalists, and others to review both published and unpublished data, field studies, and government and intelligence reports.
Dr. Marietjie Venter, SAGO Chair, emphasized the broader significance of the investigation: “As the report says, this is not solely a scientific endeavour, it is a moral and ethical imperative. Understanding the origins of SARS-CoV-2 and how it sparked a pandemic is needed to help prevent future pandemics, save lives and livelihoods, and reduce global suffering”.
Next Steps
The work to understand the origins of SARS-CoV-2 remains unfinished. WHO and SAGO welcome any further evidence and remain committed to reviewing new information as it becomes available.
“The work to understand the origins of SARS-CoV-2 remains unfinished. WHO welcomes any further evidence on the origins of COVID-19, and SAGO remains committed to reviewing any new information should it become available.” — SAGO Report
Disclaimer:
This article is based on the official statement and summary of findings from the World Health Organization’s Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of Novel Pathogens (SAGO) as of June 27, 2025. The investigation into the origins of COVID-19 is ongoing, and conclusions may evolve as new evidence emerges.
