The Director-General of the World Health Organization (W.H.O.) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as convened the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee to decide on whether the current coronavirus outbreak constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

Adhanom, announced on Wednesday that the meeting was scheduled for Thursday, as China stepped up efforts to tackle the spread of the disease.

The W.H.O. Director-General was in China earlier this week, where he met President Xi Jinping for an assessment of the situation.

"I held frank talks with President Xi Jinping, who has taken charge of a monumental national response to the coronavirus outbreak. Based on cooperation and solidarity, China has committed to protecting its citizens & all people globally from the outbreak," Adhanom said.

"I welcome the invitation by China for W.H.O. to assemble and lead an international team of experts to assess the new coronavirus outbreak and support Chinese counterparts. I appreciate such openness and urge this to continue from China & all other countries."

In his meeting with the W.H.O. chief, Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed confidence that the disease will be defeated in due course.

"I have personally been directing the effort and deploying resources, I believe that as long as we strengthen our confidence, help each other, control and prevent the virus appropriately, and implement policies precisely, we will definitely overcome this disease." President Xi said.

The W.H.O. Director-General said the body will work with networks of scientists, clinicians, disease trackers, governments and others to coordinate the new coronavirus response.

Source(s): W.H.O.