<p>Amid rise in coronavirus cases due to the <strong>Omicron</strong> variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that "it is possible that new variants could evade countermeasures and become fully resistant to current vaccines or past infection".</p>

<p>WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that "ending health inequity" is key to end the pandemic as he urged governments to ensure 70 per cent COVID-19 vaccine coverage in every country by July next year.</p>

<p>"This is the time to rise above short-term nationalism and protect populations and economies against future variants," the <strong>WHO </strong>chief said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-reports-record-covid-19-cases-as-europe-battles-omicron-440977">Also Read:&nbsp;France reports record COVID-19 cases as Europe battles Omicron</a></p>

<p>Tedros conceded that <strong>supply chain</strong> disruptions was also behind the disruption of vaccine rollout worldwide even as 92 member states of the UN health organisation had missed the 40 per cent vaccination target.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"While 2021 has been hard, I ask everyone to make a New Year’s resolution to get behind the campaign to vaccinate 70% [against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>] by the middle of 2022.<br />
We have 185 days to the finish line of achieving 70% by the start of July 2022. And the clock starts now!"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a></p>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1476215619225796612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The pressure on health systems is not only because of new COVID19 patients requiring hospitalisation but also a large number of health workers are getting sick themselves," Tedros said, adding, "The<strong> unvaccinated</strong> are many times more at risk of dying."</p>

<p>The WHO chief expressed concern over the &nbsp;Omicron variant which he said was "more transmissible circulating at the same time as Delta is leading to a tsunami of cases."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"From the new WHO <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BioHub?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BioHub</a> System, which offers a reliable, safe, and transparent mechanism for WHO’s 194 Member States to voluntarily share novel biological materials [...]"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://t.co/WSRtmlz3Uz">https://t.co/WSRtmlz3Uz</a></p>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1476214328437223427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"<strong>Delta</strong> and Omicron are twin threats that are driving up cases to record numbers," he said while pointing out that the two variants are leading to a spike in COVID-19 cases with hospitalisations and deaths.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-identify-antibodies-that-block-omicron-covid-variant-440943">Also Read:&nbsp;Scientists identify antibodies that block Omicron Covid variant</a></p>

<p>Tedros asked people to stay away from "misinformation" and "disinformation" which has led to vaccine hesitancy&nbsp;"translating to the unvaccinated disproportionally dying".</p>

<p>"Populism, narrow nationalism and hoarding of health tools by a small number of countries undermined equity and created the ideal conditions for the emergence of new variants," Tedros said.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


Amid rise in coronavirus cases due to the Omicron variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that "it is possible that new variants could evade countermeasures and become fully resistant to current vaccines or past infection".

Amid rise in coronavirus cases due to the Omicron variant, the World Health Organisation(WHO) warned that "it is possible that new variants could evade countermeasures and become fully resistant to current vaccines or past infection". WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that "ending health inequity" is key to end the pandemic as he urged governments to ensure 70 per cent COVID-19 vaccine coverage in every country by July next year. "This is the time to rise above short-term nationalism and protect populations and economies against future variants," the WHO chief said. Also Read: France reports record COVID-19 cases as Europe battles Omicron Tedros conceded that supply chain disruptions was also behind the disruption of vaccine rollout worldwide even as 92 member states of the UN health organisation had missed the 40 per cent vaccination target. "While 2021 has been hard, I ask everyone to make a New Year’s resolution to get behind the campaign to vaccinate 70% [against #COVID19] by the middle of 2022. We have 185 days to the finish line of achieving 70% by the start of July 2022. And the clock starts now!"-@DrTedros — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 29, 2021 × "The pressure on health systems is not only because of new COVID19 patients requiring hospitalisation but also a large number of health workers are getting sick themselves," Tedros said, adding, "The unvaccinated are many times more at risk of dying." The WHO chief expressed concern over the Omicron variant which he said was "more transmissible circulating at the same time as Delta is leading to a tsunami of cases." "From the new WHO #BioHub System, which offers a reliable, safe, and transparent mechanism for WHO’s 194 Member States to voluntarily share novel biological materials [...]"-@DrTedros https://t.co/WSRtmlz3Uz — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 29, 2021 × "Delta and Omicron are twin threats that are driving up cases to record numbers," he said while pointing out that the two variants are leading to a spike in COVID-19 cases with hospitalisations and deaths. Also Read: Scientists identify antibodies that block Omicron Covid variant Tedros asked people to stay away from "misinformation" and "disinformation" which has led to vaccine hesitancy "translating to the unvaccinated disproportionally dying". "Populism, narrow nationalism and hoarding of health tools by a small number of countries undermined equity and created the ideal conditions for the emergence of new variants," Tedros said. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Tsunami of cases': Delta & Omicron are twin threats, says WHO

<p>World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday that &nbsp;Botswana and<strong> South Africa</strong> were being "penalised" for doing the right thing while referring to the travel bans imposed by various countries.</p>

<p>The<strong> WHO </strong>chief thanked both countries for "detecting, sequencing and reporting the variant rapidly".</p>

<p>Tedros informed that member states had agreed to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body to begin drafting and negotiating a new accord to handle future <strong>pandemics</strong>.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-virus-has-demonstrated-it-will-not-simply-disappear-who-chief-tedros-on-omicron-433326">Also Read:&nbsp;This virus has demonstrated it will not simply disappear, says WHO chief</a></p>

<p>"A convention, agreement or other international instrument will not solve every problem," he said adding, "But it will provide the overarching framework to foster greater international cooperation and&nbsp;provide a platform for strengthening<strong> global health</strong> security."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"...the nations of the world have made a strong statement that health security is too important to be left to chance, or goodwill, or shifting geopolitical currents, or vested interests"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHASpecial?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHASpecial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandemicTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandemicTreaty</a> <a href="https://t.co/cqR0YdcRRH">https://t.co/cqR0YdcRRH</a></p>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1466064269179600905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The first meeting on the drafting the new policy will be held in March next year and it will submit the outcome to the<strong> UN</strong> health body in 2024.</p>

<p>"That may seem like a long process, and it is, but we should not be naïve in thinking that reaching a global accord on pandemics will be easy," he said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"The idea for an international instrument on tobacco control was formally initiated in 1995, but the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control didn't enter into force until a decade later. Of course, we hope that this process won't take nearly that long"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandemicTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandemicTreaty</a></p>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1466065054822977536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The WHO chief conceded that there were "differences of opinion" over the new <strong>accord</strong> and what it should contain, however, he maintained that "differences can be overcome, and common ground can be found."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-live-blanket-travel-ban-wont-stop-omicron-says-who-chief-433212">Also Read:&nbsp;Live Omicron updates</a></p>

<p>"The spirit of solidarity that we have seen today is what we need not just to prevent and mitigate the impact of future pandemics, but to end this one," the WHO chief said.</p>

<p>(With inputs from Agencies)</p>


World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday that Botswana and South Africa were being "penalised" for doing the right thing while referring to the travel bans imposed by various countries.

World Health Organisation(WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Wednesday that Botswana and South Africa were being "penalised" for doing the right thing while referring to the travel bans imposed by various countries. The WHO chief thanked both countries for "detecting, sequencing and reporting the variant rapidly". Tedros informed that member states had agreed to establish an intergovernmental negotiating body to begin drafting and negotiating a new accord to handle future pandemics. Also Read: This virus has demonstrated it will not simply disappear, says WHO chief "A convention, agreement or other international instrument will not solve every problem," he said adding, "But it will provide the overarching framework to foster greater international cooperation and provide a platform for strengthening global health security." "...the nations of the world have made a strong statement that health security is too important to be left to chance, or goodwill, or shifting geopolitical currents, or vested interests"-@DrTedros #WHASpecial #PandemicTreaty https://t.co/cqR0YdcRRH — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 1, 2021 × The first meeting on the drafting the new policy will be held in March next year and it will submit the outcome to the UN health body in 2024. "That may seem like a long process, and it is, but we should not be naïve in thinking that reaching a global accord on pandemics will be easy," he said. "The idea for an international instrument on tobacco control was formally initiated in 1995, but the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control didn't enter into force until a decade later. Of course, we hope that this process won't take nearly that long"-@DrTedros #PandemicTreaty — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) December 1, 2021 × The WHO chief conceded that there were "differences of opinion" over the new accord and what it should contain, however, he maintained that "differences can be overcome, and common ground can be found." Also Read: Live Omicron updates "The spirit of solidarity that we have seen today is what we need not just to prevent and mitigate the impact of future pandemics, but to end this one," the WHO chief said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Countries ready to draft new accord to handle future pandemics: Tedros

<p>In his closing address at&nbsp;the annual <strong>World Health Assembly</strong> held virtually, WHO chief&nbsp;Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "a pandemic treaty would foster improved sharing, trust and accountability."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"We appreciate the strong support expressed by dozens of Member States for the idea of a global agreement on pandemic preparedness, under article 19 of the WHO constitution"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandemicTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandemicTreaty</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHA74?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHA74</a></p>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1399368827662700547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Tedros</strong> said the treaty should ensure political and financial commitment while calling for a "truly representative and inclusive" agreement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"A <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandemicTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandemicTreaty</a> is a promise to future generations;<br />
<br />
To sustained political and financial commitment"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHA74?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHA74</a> <a href="https://t.co/corvgMcr5i">https://t.co/corvgMcr5i</a></p>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1399368220650397698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>The participating nations however haven't yet created an international treaty as they urged Tedros to convene a special session of the assembly in late November to discuss the issue.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/paris-venue-hosts-indoor-rock-concert-with-masks-and-virus-tests-388640/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"We look forward to discussing this idea further with member states at a special session of the World Health Assembly in November," the WHO chief said.</p>

<p>Tedros called for all 194 member states to commit to supporting the target of <strong>vaccinating </strong>at least 10 per cent population by the end of September and 30 per cent by the end of the year.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"Crucially, an international agreement of any kind must be designed and owned by all Member States – all. It must be truly representative and inclusive.<br />
<br />
It must be thorough and carefully considered, but it must also be urgent"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PandemicTreaty?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PandemicTreaty</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHA74?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHA74</a></p>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1399368433964400648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We will still face the same vulnerabilities that allowed a small outbreak to become a global <strong>pandemic</strong>," Tedros said, adding, "one day the pandemic will be behind us, but the psychological scars will remain for those who have lost loved ones."</p>

<p>"The questions the pandemic is asking us cannot simply be answered with new institutions, mechanisms, facilities or processes," Tedros told the assembly in his closing remarks while adding,"the challenges we face are profound, and so must be the solutions we design."</p>

<p>A panel headed by ex-New Zealand PM Helen Clark and ex-president of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf called for a swifter response to future pandemic even as Germany's health ministry official Björn Kümmel said the world was unprepared as it was&nbsp;hit by the<strong> virus</strong>.</p>

<p><em>(With Agency inputs)</em></p>


In his closing address at the annual World Health Assembly held virtually, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "a pandemic treaty would foster improved sharing, trust and accountability.

In his closing address at the annual World Health Assembly held virtually, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said "a pandemic treaty would foster improved sharing, trust and accountability." "We appreciate the strong support expressed by dozens of Member States for the idea of a global agreement on pandemic preparedness, under article 19 of the WHO constitution"-@DrTedros #PandemicTreaty #WHA74 — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 31, 2021 × Tedros said the treaty should ensure political and financial commitment while calling for a "truly representative and inclusive" agreement. "A #PandemicTreaty is a promise to future generations; To sustained political and financial commitment"-@DrTedros #WHA74 https://t.co/corvgMcr5i — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 31, 2021 × The participating nations however haven't yet created an international treaty as they urged Tedros to convene a special session of the assembly in late November to discuss the issue. Watch: "We look forward to discussing this idea further with member states at a special session of the World Health Assembly in November," the WHO chief said. Tedros called for all 194 member states to commit to supporting the target of vaccinating at least 10 per cent population by the end of September and 30 per cent by the end of the year. "Crucially, an international agreement of any kind must be designed and owned by all Member States – all. It must be truly representative and inclusive. It must be thorough and carefully considered, but it must also be urgent"-@DrTedros #PandemicTreaty #WHA74 — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 31, 2021 × "We will still face the same vulnerabilities that allowed a small outbreak to become a global pandemic," Tedros said, adding, "one day the pandemic will be behind us, but the psychological scars will remain for those who have lost loved ones." "The questions the pandemic is asking us cannot simply be answered with new institutions, mechanisms, facilities or processes," Tedros told the assembly in his closing remarks while adding,"the challenges we face are profound, and so must be the solutions we design." A panel headed by ex-New Zealand PM Helen Clark and ex-president of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf called for a swifter response to future pandemic even as Germany's health ministry official Björn Kümmel said the world was unprepared as it was hit by the virus. (With Agency inputs)

WHO chief Tedros pushes for pandemic treaty at World Health Assembly

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'Tsunami of cases': Delta & Omicron are twin threats, says WHO

Countries ready to draft new accord to handle future pandemics: Tedros

WHO chief Tedros pushes for pandemic treaty at World Health Assembly