The Omicron coronavirus variant has brought yet again fear to the minds of those all over the world who are preparing for the festive season. This is the second time in a row year that the Christmas season will be celebrated under an atmosphere of coronavirus infection (Covid-19).
However, they also said that the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that governments around the globe should be working to end the epidemic. “2022 should be the year that we can end the pandemic” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared at a press meeting on Tuesday.
“If we want to stop the spread of the disease in the coming year, we need to end inequityby making sure that 70% of the population in every nation is vaccinated by end of the year,” he added.
“Last week WHO has issued an Emergency Use Listing for a 9th vaccine developed through the Serum Institute of India under licence from Novavax. The new vaccine forms part of the COVAX portfolio and we believe it plays a key contribution to achieving our global targets for vaccination,” the WHO chief added.
Tedros but, has painted a gloomy image, claiming that a gloomy sombre of darkness has fallen over the globe due to Covid-19.
He added over 3.3 millions people lost their lives due to the pandemic this year . That’s more than deaths from HIV malaria, tuberculosis and malaria all in 2020. And it continues to claim approximately 50k lives each week.
“That’s not even mentioning the deaths that have not been reported and the millions of deaths that result from disruptions in vital health facilities,” said the WHO chief added.
The speed at that Covid-19 is expanding is attributable to an Omicron variant that was first discovered within South Africa on November 24 and has since spread to over 100 countries since.
“There is now a steady proof of Omicron is spreading more rapidly over those with the Delta variant. It is also more likely that those who are vaccinated or who recovered from Covid-19 may be reinfected or infected,” said Tedros.
After reporting the lowest number of cases in the last 18 months Africa has recorded the 4th highest amount of patients in just one week, according to WHO chief. WHO chief.
