Meanwhile, although BA.2 sequences are increasing in proportion relative to other Omicron sublineages, there is still a reported decline in overall cases globally.
When Will Covid Pandemic End? Here’s What WHO DG Tedros Said
Tedros called on all countries to fill the urgent financing gap of $16 billion for the Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator to make vaccines, tests, treatments and personal protective equipment available globally.
Unless virus circulation is reduced, the world's vast gene pool will become the lab for variant mutation. Africa continent is vulnerable. Fully vaccinated are also susceptible, says WHO
More than 8 billion doses of vaccine have also been administered, globally producing 144,000 tonnes of additional waste in the form of syringes, needles, and safety boxes.
WHO Regional Director for Europe warned that "it is far too early to relax" because new Covid-19 variants are almost certain to emerge.
"We will need to learn to manage it through a sustained and integrated system for acute respiratory diseases, which will provide a platform for preparedness for future pandemics."
Although scientists say it is not yet necessary to tweak existing jabs, yet they warn of the emergence of a vaccine-evading variant. Thus, developing a global mechanism to make decisions about how and when to introduce these next generation jabs will be "critical".
The WHO's emergencies director, Mike Ryan, also warned that Omicron's increased transmissibility is likely to drive a rise in hospitalisations and deaths, especially in nations where fewer people are vaccinated.
India on Wednesday reported 2,82,970 fresh Covid cases in the last 24 hours, which is a rise of over 18 per cent from the previous day's count.
The WHO also made a conditional recommendation for the use of the monoclonal antibody sotrovimab in patients with non-severe Covid-19, but only in those at highest risk of hospitalisation, reflecting trivial benefits in those at lower risk.
South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first reported, saw a 9 per cent fall in weekly infections.
COVID19 Is Taking 50,000 Lives A Week & It Is Not Acceptable: WHO
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