Despite the end of COVID-19 as an international public health emergency, the virus continues to claim around 1,700 lives per week globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The true toll of the pandemic is believed to be significantly higher than the seven million reported deaths.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of maintaining vaccine coverage, especially among high-risk groups such as health workers and those over 60.
“Data show that vaccine coverage has declined among health workers and people over 60, which are two of the most at-risk groups,” he said at a press conference.
He recommended that individuals in the highest-risk categories receive a COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of their last dose.
The pandemic has severely impacted global economies and health systems. Although Tedros declared the end of the international public health emergency in May 2023, he urged governments to continue virus surveillance, sequencing, and ensure access to affordable tests, treatments, and vaccines.
