by Ashis Sinha
In a stark update released Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that Covid-19 continues to claim the lives of approximately 1,700 individuals weekly across the globe.
Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the critical importance of ongoing vaccination efforts, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Tedros expressed deep concern over the declining rates of vaccine coverage among key demographics, notably healthcare workers and individuals aged 60 and above, who remain at highest risk. During a press briefing, he highlighted the latest data which underscored this worrying trend.
“The data clearly indicates a drop in vaccine uptake among healthcare personnel and older adults, who are among the most vulnerable groups,” Tedros cautioned.
He stressed WHO’s recommendation that individuals in these high-risk categories receive a Covid-19 vaccine booster shot within twelve months of their last dose.
This call comes amidst a global death toll surpassing seven million reported deaths attributed to Covid-19, although experts believe the actual figure could be substantially higher.
Beyond its devastating impact on lives, Covid-19 has also inflicted severe economic hardships and strained healthcare systems worldwide. Tedros officially declared an end to the Covid-19 pandemic as an international public health emergency in May 2023, marking over three years since the virus first emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019.
Looking forward, the WHO urged governments to maintain robust virus surveillance and genomic sequencing capabilities.
They also emphasized the importance of ensuring equitable access to affordable and reliable Covid-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.
The WHO’s latest report serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing threat posed by Covid-19, underscoring the urgent need for sustained global efforts to combat the pandemic and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.
