This handout picture made available by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 29 November 2021 shows WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressing the special session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Photo: Christopher Black / World Health Organization / AFP
COVID-19: ‘The pandemic is far from over,’ says WHO head
The World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledges that COVID-19 cases and deaths have declined, but says the virus evolves
This handout picture made available by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 29 November 2021 shows WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressing the special session of the World Health Assembly in Geneva. Photo: Christopher Black / World Health Organization / AFP
As South Africa and other parts of the world slowly phase-in life post-COVID-19, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the pandemic is very much still with us.
On Saturday, 5 March 2022, marked exactly two years since the first COVID-19 case was reported in South Africa. This was followed by President Cyril Ramaphosa placing the country under lockdown and announcing a range of restrictions aimed at alleviating the spread of the respiratory illness.
COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency of international concern by the WHO on 30 January 2020, when less than 100 cases were reported outside of China, where the illness is believed to have been borne.
Fast forward to March 2022, a whopping 452 million cases have been confirmed since, along with 385 million recoveries and over 6 million deaths.
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WHO: COVID-19 ‘CONTINUES TO EVOLVE’
Addressing a press briefing on Wednesday, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreysus says COVID-19 continues to spread and evolve across the world.
“Although reported cases and deaths are declining globally, and several countries have lifted restrictions, the pandemic is far from over – and it will not be over anywhere until it’s over everywhere. Many countries in Asia and the pacific are facing many surges and deaths. The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed”
The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Dr Tedros Adhanom Gebreysus
Gebreysus has also expressed concern over the drop in numbers for testing in several countries, saying it inhibits their ability as the WHO to monitor the virus.
“Testing remains a vital tool in our fight against the pandemic,” he added.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed Gebreysus’ sentiments, saying: “Science and solidarity have proven to be an unbeatable combination. We must re-dedicate ourselves to ending this pandemic for all people and all countries, and closing this sad chapter in humanity’s history, once and for all”
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