Message to the People of Tenerife

Greetings, Tenerife. I’m Tedros, the Director-General of the World Health Organization. It’s not typical for me to reach out to a single community directly, but today feels different—like it’s something I need to do.

I want to connect with you personally, without filters from press releases or technical jargon. You deserve that kind of communication.

I understand that many of you are feeling anxious. When “outbreak” is mentioned, and you see a ship approaching your shores, it brings back painful memories we all wish we could forget. The events from 2020 are still fresh, and I don’t want to downplay that at all.

However—please listen closely—this isn’t another COVID situation. Currently, the public health risk from hantavirus is low. My colleagues and I have stated this clearly, and I want to reiterate it here.

The virus identified on the MV Hondius is the Andes strain of hantavirus. It’s a serious matter, and three lives have tragically been lost, and my thoughts are with their families. Yet, for those of you living in Tenerife, the risk is low. This is the assessment from the WHO, made with serious consideration.

At this moment, there are no symptomatic passengers on board the ship. A WHO expert is with them, and necessary medical supplies are readily available. Spanish authorities have devised a careful plan to ensure safety: passengers will be transported to the industrial port of Granadilla, kept away from residential areas, in secure vehicles through a cordoned area, and sent directly back to their home countries. You won’t come into contact with them; your families won’t either.

I also want to share something beyond the scientific aspects.

I expressed my gratitude to Prime Minister Sanchez for Spain’s choice to accept the ship. I see it as an act of solidarity and moral obligation. This request from the WHO to Spain wasn’t arbitrary; it aligns with the International Health Regulations—the legally binding guidelines outlining responsibilities in public health emergencies. According to these rules, the closest port with adequate medical facilities must be identified to protect and respect those on board. Tenerife met that criterion. Spain acted on it. Nearly 150 individuals from 23 countries have been at sea for quite some time, many grieving and all scared, longing to be home. Tenerife was selected for its medical facilities, infrastructure, and compassion in helping them achieve safety.

Because I believe in this deeply, I plan to visit Tenerife myself. I want to witness the operation up close, stand with health workers, port staff, and officials, and pay my respects to an island that has faced a tough situation with grace and kindness. Your humanity should be observed and appreciated, not just recognized from a distance.

As I often say, viruses don’t respect politics or borders. The strongest defense we have is unity.

Tenerife is exemplifying this unity today. The ship’s captain, Jan Dobrogowski, along with the crew and the vessel’s operating company, has acted remarkably during this challenging time. On behalf of the World Health Organization and those passengers and their families globally, I extend my gratitude to the people of Tenerife and everyone involved.

Take care of yourselves and each other. Have faith in the preparations that have been established. And remember, the WHO stands with you—and with everyone on that ship—through every step of this journey.

With respect, care, and appreciation,

Tedros