<Anchor> The
World Health Organization has warned that the risk of new mutations may increase due to the spread of Corona in North Korea.
If the virus spreads out of control in North Korea, an unvaccinated country, the risk of new mutations is high.
This is Hwa Kang-yoon, staff reporter.
<Reporter>
Mike Ryan, head of the World Health Organization's emergency response team at the WHO, said at a briefing on the 17th local time that he was "certainly concerned" about the situation in North Korea.
He emphasized that wherever the virus spreads out of control, there is always a high risk of new mutations.
WHO is paying particular attention to the fact that North Korea is an unvaccinated country.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also expressed deep concern about the current situation in North Korea, where the virus is rapidly spreading among unvaccinated populations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said it is "quite worrisome if North Korea is not using the tools currently available," and stressed that the WHO is ready to help North Korea.
The UN Human Rights Office has urged the North Korean authorities to open a channel for humanitarian aid, saying the rapid spread of COVID-19 could have devastating consequences for the human rights of North Koreans.
North Korea has been refusing to support vaccines from COVAX, an international vaccine joint purchase program led by the United Nations.
After the outbreak of Corona 19 was officially confirmed, it is known that China and Russia are discussing countermeasures, but they have not yet made a stance on the Korean government's proposal for support.
In particular, it is analyzed that receiving help from the West is against the rule of the Kim Jong-un regime, which has emphasized self-reliance.
For this reason, it is evaluated that Chairman Kim is at a crossroads as to whether he will ask for external support or whether he will continue the isolation policy and suffer massive casualties.