A seafood market in Wuhan, China, is disinfected in March, 2020. (Photo: Guardian)

26 experts from the new Scientific Advisory Group for the Origins of novel pathogens will advise WHO on the development of a global framework to define and guide studies into the origins of emerging and re-emerging pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential, including SARS-CoV-2, the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), avian flu virus, Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa.

The intention to form the group was disclosed by the WHO at the beginning of this year. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, “The emergence of new viruses with the potential to spark epidemics and pandemics is a fact of nature, and while SARS-CoV-2 is the latest such virus, it will not be the last.” Understanding where new pathogens come from is essential for preventing future outbreaks, according to Ghebreyesus.