The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, held a meeting with the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, with whom he discussed Spain’s initiative in the operation to manage the crisis generated by an outbreak of hantavirus on the cruise ship ‘MV Hondius’.

In their joint appearance, the President of the Government of Spain gave an account of the coordination that the Government of Spain established on the Canary Island of Tenerife “which was, according to the experts from that same organisation, the first suitable port that the ship would encounter on its route” and which allowed the cruise ship to be received and ensured the control and implementation of the necessary protocols.

Pedro Sánchez stressed that the decision responded to international legal responsibility, but also to moral obligation and “because we wanted to show the world that Spain is a society committed to global health, to international law and to multilateralism”. “This world does not need more selfishness or more fear. What it needs are countries that show solidarity and are willing to step up”, he stressed.

For his part, the Director-General of the WHO thanked the President of the Government of Spain for Spain’s leadership and exemplary response to the request for collaboration – made in accordance with the International Health Regulations – in the response operation. “Not only for fulfilling its legal obligations, but also for the compassion and solidarity that Spain has shown,” he said.

Spain’s positive response has facilitated coordination with the WHO, the European Commission, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the Canary Islands authorities and the 23 countries with nationals on board the ‘MV Hondius’ to design and deploy the reception, care and repatriation operation.

With regard to the procedure, he said that Spain has worked based on the three guiding principles applied in previous emergencies: leadership of scientific advice, coordination between administrations and absolute transparency with the public.

The President of the Government of Spain described the operation as a success, noting the repatriation of 120 people of different nationalities via 10 special flights without incident, and acknowledged the work of the professionals who took part in the operation, as well as the solidarity and civic-mindedness of the people of the Canary Islands.

He also urged everyone “not to lower their guard” and said that the health of those affected and the evolution of the overall situation will continue to be monitored.

Finally, Pedro Sánchez stressed that “Spain complies” and is a country committed to international law, arguing that the crises facing humanity, including global health crises, require international cooperation and organisations such as the WHO that are strong and equipped with the necessary resources. “We need more science and more awareness, and that is the example that Spain has set for the world,” he stressed.

Non official translation