Riyadh, January 24, 2024, The Ministry of Health has provided reassurance to the residents of the Kingdom in response to concerns about a hypothetical pathogen referred to as Disease X, which the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned could potentially be more lethal than the coronavirus.
Addressing the statements made by the WHO at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Health Ministry emphasized that these remarks outline a theoretical scenario and the situation is not as dire as it may have been presented. The ministry highlighted that such warnings are issued on an annual basis, underscoring its continuous vigilance and readiness for any potential developments.
Furthermore, the ministry clarified that the WHO's statements, along with similar alerts from scientists over the past decades, aim to motivate health systems and countries to enhance their capabilities in handling epidemics and minimizing potential losses. It emphasized that the recurring message emphasizes the vulnerability of humans to epidemics due to their coexistence with various viruses and germs, which constantly mutate, making it challenging to predict the types and timing of epidemics.
The term "Disease X," coined by the WHO, refers to a potential unknown disease, according to the ministry. It also noted that these viruses and germs exist in nature, and, for reasons known only to Allah, they can breach natural barriers and infect humans. However, the ministry highlighted that most epidemics do not escalate into pandemics, and large-scale pandemics like COVID-19 are exceptionally rare occurrences.
In conclusion, the ministry emphasized its continuous preparedness for the unknown future, acknowledging it as Allah's divine will.
