Amanze Chinonye
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has issued a rare direct message to residents of Tenerife, urging calm and solidarity ahead of the planned arrival of passengers from the expedition cruise vessel MV Hondius following a hantavirus outbreak onboard.
In the emotional address, Tedros acknowledged public anxiety surrounding the ship’s arrival, particularly amid lingering memories of the COVID-19 pandemic, but stressed that the current public health risk to residents remains low.
“I know you are worried,” the WHO chief said. “But I need you to hear me clearly: this is not another COVID-19.”
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According to Tedros, the outbreak onboard involves the Andes strain of hantavirus, which he described as serious but currently contained. He confirmed that three people had died, while noting that there were no symptomatic passengers remaining onboard at the time of his statement.
He said the WHO had deployed an expert to the vessel and ensured that medical supplies were in place as Spanish authorities coordinated what he described as a carefully managed disembarkation process.
Under the operation, passengers are expected to be ferried ashore through the industrial port of Granadilla, away from residential areas, before being transported in sealed and guarded vehicles for direct repatriation to their respective countries.
Tedros assured residents that the process had been designed to prevent contact between passengers and the local population.
The WHO chief also disclosed that he had personally thanked Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for Spain’s decision to receive the vessel, describing the move as “an act of solidarity and moral duty.”
He explained that the request was made in accordance with the International Health Regulations, which require the identification of the nearest port with adequate medical capacity to safely manage a public health emergency.
“Tenerife was chosen because it has the medical capacity, the infrastructure, and the humanity to help,” he said.
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Tedros further announced plans to travel personally to Tenerife to observe the operation and support the health workers and officials overseeing the response.
“I intend to stand alongside the health workers, port staff, and officials who are making this happen, and to personally pay my respects to an island that has responded with grace, solidarity, and compassion,” he stated.
The WHO Director-General also praised the cooperation of the ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, the crew, and the vessel’s operators throughout the crisis.
Nearly 150 passengers and crew members from 23 countries have reportedly remained at sea for weeks amid international containment efforts and coordination surrounding the outbreak.
Tedros concluded his message by urging residents to trust the preparations made by authorities and to continue supporting one another.
“As I have said many times, viruses do not care about politics, and they do not respect borders. The best immunity any of us has is solidarity,” he said.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
