The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a dire warning to governments around the world: they are not prepared to combat the ongoing global surge of COVID-19. This surge is putting millions of people at risk of severe disease and death, and urgent action is needed to prevent a potential full-blown pandemic.
Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO director for epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevention, stressed that the virus is still very much present in all countries. In fact, data from the WHO’s sentinel-based surveillance system shows that the percentage of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 has been steadily increasing over the past few weeks.
What is even more concerning is that COVID-19 is now surging in many countries across different seasons, highlighting the need for stronger measures to control its spread. This is further emphasized by the recent news of at least 40 Olympic athletes testing positive for the virus in Paris, despite efforts to safeguard the venues against infectious diseases.
Back in May 2023, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had declared an end to the COVID-19 pandemic as an international health threat. However, since then, the agency has received very little official information from countries regarding new infections, deaths, and other essential data. This has forced health officials to sift through government websites to gather crucial information on hospitalizations related to COVID-19.
Dr. Van Kerkhove also expressed concern over the decline in vaccine coverage over the past two years, especially among high-risk groups such as health workers and individuals over 60 years old. With low vaccination rates and a high circulation of the virus, the potential for severe disease and death among these vulnerable groups is alarmingly high.
But it’s not just about the current situation. The WHO also warns that the immunity achieved through previous infections and vaccinations may wear off over time, leaving us susceptible to potential variants of the virus that could be more severe and harder to detect.
However, the agency acknowledges that there is still hope, and governments can take action to prevent the current surge from turning into another full-blown pandemic. The key lies in sharpening pandemic preparedness, readiness, and response systems to be able to handle not just COVID-19 but also other emerging and reemerging pathogens like avian influenza H5N1, monkeypox, and dengue.
In terms of prevention, the WHO recommends that high-risk individuals receive a COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of their last dose. To further increase protection, they also recommend getting the COVID-19 shot alongside the seasonal flu vaccine. This not only lowers the risk of developing severe disease but also protects against post-COVID conditions, commonly known as long COVID.
The bottom line is, we cannot let our guard down when it comes to COVID-19. Governments and individuals must continue to take necessary precautions and prioritize vaccination to reduce the risk of severe disease and death. And as the virus continues to evolve and pose new challenges, it is crucial to have strong and efficient pandemic response systems in place to mitigate the impact.
In conclusion, let’s heed the WHO’s warning and take swift action to combat the global surge of COVID-19. We have come a long way, but the fight is far from over. With determination, cooperation, and proactive measures, we can overcome this pandemic and emerge stronger and more prepared for any future health threats.
