Naming of COVID-19 by the World Health Organization

On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the novel coronavirus disease as COVID-19. This announcement was made during a press briefing by WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The naming was a significant step in the global response to the outbreak, providing a standardized nomenclature for the disease that was rapidly spreading across the world.

Context and Background

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Initially referred to by various names, including “2019-nCoV” and “Wuhan coronavirus,” the disease quickly became a global health concern due to its rapid transmission and the severity of symptoms in some patients.

The WHO, in collaboration with the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), developed the name COVID-19. This name was chosen to avoid stigmatization and to ensure that it did not refer to a specific geographic location, animal, or group of people. The name is derived from:

• CO: Corona
• VI: Virus
• D: Disease
• 19: The year it was identified (2019)

Key Events Leading Up to the Naming

1. December 2019: The first cases of pneumonia of unknown cause were reported in Wuhan, China.
2. January 2020: The virus was identified as a novel coronavirus, and cases began to appear outside China.
3. January 30, 2020: The WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
4. February 2020: As the virus continued to spread globally, the need for a standardized name became apparent.

Significance of the Naming

• Standardization: The name COVID-19 provided a uniform term for the disease, facilitating communication and coordination among health professionals and the public.
• Avoiding Stigmatization: By not associating the disease with a specific location or group, the WHO aimed to prevent discrimination and stigma.
• Public Awareness: The naming helped increase global awareness and understanding of the disease, emphasizing the seriousness of the outbreak.

Aftermath and Consequences

Following the naming of COVID-19, the disease continued to spread, leading to a global pandemic declaration by the WHO on March 11, 2020. The pandemic had profound impacts on global health, economies, and societies, prompting unprecedented public health measures, vaccine development, and international cooperation.

The naming of COVID-19 marked a critical moment in the global response to the pandemic, underscoring the importance of clear communication and international collaboration in addressing public health emergencies.