Geneva, the headquarters of the World Health Organization (WHO), has been at the forefront of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. And as the new year begins, the head of the U.N. health agency, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has given an update on the current situation and urged governments to take necessary measures to control the spread of the virus.
In his latest address to the media, the WHO director-general shared some concerning statistics about the month of December. He revealed that nearly 10,000 deaths were reported due to COVID-19, and hospital admissions increased by 42% in almost 50 countries. This worrying trend was mainly seen in Europe and the Americas, where holiday gatherings and the spread of the JN.1 variant were the main contributors to the surge in cases.
While 10,000 deaths a month may seem far less compared to the peak of the pandemic, Tedros emphasized that even one preventable death is not acceptable. He called on governments to continue monitoring the situation and provide access to treatments and vaccines. He also urged countries that have not been reporting an increase in cases to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
The JN.1 variant, also known as the omicron variant, has become the most prominent variant in the world. However, Tedros reassured that current vaccines are still effective against it, providing some level of protection. But he also stressed the importance of getting vaccinated when possible, as it not only protects individuals but also contributes to the overall effort of controlling the spread of the virus.
According to Maria Van Kerkhove, the technical lead at WHO for COVID-19, there has been an increase in respiratory diseases not only because of the coronavirus but also other viruses like the flu, rhinovirus, and pneumonia. She expects this trend to continue in the coming months, especially in the northern hemisphere where it is winter. However, she also noted an increase in cases in the southern hemisphere, where it is currently summer.
Although respiratory illnesses are common during the winter months, Van Kerkhove pointed out that this year, there is a co-circulation of various pathogens. This makes it even more crucial for people to take precautions to protect themselves and others. The WHO recommends wearing masks, ensuring proper ventilation in indoor spaces, and getting vaccinated when possible.
Dr. Michael Ryan, the head of WHO’s emergencies department, also highlighted the significance of vaccines. He stated that while they may not completely prevent individuals from getting infected, they significantly reduce the chances of hospitalization or death. This is a crucial aspect to consider as we continue to navigate through the pandemic.
In conclusion, the WHO officials have urged everyone to remain cautious and follow necessary measures to control the spread of COVID-19. We cannot let our guard down and must continue to take precautions, especially during the holiday season. The vaccines have given us hope, and as we enter a new year, we must stay resilient and united in our fight against the virus. Let us all do our part in keeping ourselves and our communities safe and healthy.
