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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday said countries must not leave people stranded at sea when they possess the capacity to manage health risks safely under international health regulations responsibly.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said this during an online media conference on hantavirus, reflecting on developments 10 days after the organisation was first informed about the unfolding health emergency.
Ghebreyesus said WHO requested assistance from Ulisses Silva when the ship approached Cabo Verde, leading to the evacuation of three passengers who developed symptoms associated with the virus.
He explained that WHO assessed the situation had exceeded Cabo Verde’s capacity to manage complete disembarkation and repatriation of all passengers aboard the vessel safely and within required health standards.
“Last Monday, WHO wrote to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez asking if Spain would accept the ship and manage the disembarkation, with support from the world body.
“The European Union shared the same assessment, and the Prime Minister received the same request from the EU.
“He responded immediately in the affirmative,” Ghebreyesus added.
According to him, Spain and WHO worked closely under Spain’s leadership alongside the Netherlands government and the ship’s operator to coordinate the evacuation and disembarkation operation carried out successfully in two days.
The WHO chief thanked Pedro Sánchez for fulfilling Spain’s legal obligations under international law while also demonstrating solidarity, compassion and kindness toward passengers stranded aboard the ship for weeks.
“The operation was declared successful: all passengers have disembarked and left Tenerife, and MV Hondius is now on its way to the Netherlands,” Ghebreyesus said.
“Almost 150 people from 23 countries were on the ship for weeks in a frightening situation, with some passengers facing mental breakdown. WHO stressed they deserved dignity and compassion.
“WHO rejected calls to contain passengers on the ship for the full quarantine period, describing the proposal as inhumane, unnecessary and even cruel,” Ghebreyesus said.
Ghebreyesus said all suspected and confirmed cases had been isolated and managed under strict medical supervision, significantly minimising the risk of further transmission among passengers, crew members and affected communities globally.
He said there was currently no indication of a larger outbreak, although additional infections remained possible because of the virus’ long incubation period and emerging reports involving suspected Andes virus symptoms.
“WHO recommends active monitoring at a quarantine facility or at home for 42 days from the last exposure on May 10, which runs until June 12.
Ghebreyesus said WHO would continue collaborating with experts and affected countries through the International Health Regulations, insisting that solidarity remained the strongest protection against infectious diseases that disregarded national borders worldwide.
