At the end of the article is this -
“The scientists’ published their thoughts in a letter which appeared in The Lancet medical journal on Tuesday.”
I think this is an outright attempt to gain research funds.
All scientists want more research funds. Publishing is the best way to self-advertise (and is, in fact, expected). Most scientists are funded largely through the federal government.
If the scientists who wrote the Lancet letter have been having difficulty getting grant proposals funded, then a short publication such as this is a great way for them to increase their chances of getting their funding.