The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (October 5) said that it is investigating "contaminated" medicines, majorly for pediatric use, which are found to contain toxic chemicals.&nbsp;

WHO has issued a warning that they could be linked to the deaths of 66 children in the west African nation of The Gambia.&nbsp;

The cough and cold syrups are produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited in India.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the WHO, citing its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: "WHO has today issued a medical product alert for four contaminated medicines identified in #Gambia that have been potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children. The loss of these young lives is beyond heartbreaking for their families."&nbsp;

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It added, "The four medicines are cough and cold syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, in India. WHO is conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India."&nbsp;

Tedros also said that WHO was "conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India."&nbsp;

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"The four medicines are cough and cold syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, in India. WHO is conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India"-<a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> <a href="https://t.co/PceTWc836t">https://t.co/PceTWc836t</a>
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As per the alert issued by WHO, the four products are Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cold Syrup.&nbsp;

WHO mentioned that "to date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products." It further added that laboratory analysis of samples of the products "confirms that they contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants."&nbsp;

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The warning states that the toxic substances and can be fatal to humans. The toxic effect "can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death."&nbsp;

WHO said that information received from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation indicated that the manufacturer had only supplied the contaminated medications to The Gambia.&nbsp;

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The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (October 5) said that it is investigating "contaminated" medicines, majorly for pediatric use, which are found to contain toxic chemicals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday (October 5) said that it is investigating "contaminated" medicines, majorly for pediatric use, which are found to contain toxic chemicals. WHO has issued a warning that they could be linked to the deaths of 66 children in the west African nation of The Gambia. The cough and cold syrups are produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited in India. In a series of tweets, the WHO, citing its Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: "WHO has today issued a medical product alert for four contaminated medicines identified in #Gambia that have been potentially linked with acute kidney injuries and 66 deaths among children. The loss of these young lives is beyond heartbreaking for their families." ALSO READ | Singapore makes biggest ever seizure of rhino horn worth US$830,000 It added, "The four medicines are cough and cold syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, in India. WHO is conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India." Tedros also said that WHO was "conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India." "The four medicines are cough and cold syrups produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited, in India. WHO is conducting further investigation with the company and regulatory authorities in India"-@DrTedros https://t.co/PceTWc836t — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) October 5, 2022 × As per the alert issued by WHO, the four products are Promethazine Oral Solution, Kofexmalin Baby Cough Syrup, Makoff Baby Cough Syrup, and Magrip N Cold Syrup. WHO mentioned that "to date, the stated manufacturer has not provided guarantees to WHO on the safety and quality of these products." It further added that laboratory analysis of samples of the products "confirms that they contain unacceptable amounts of diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol as contaminants." Data Lab | India’s Supreme Court gives nod to abortion, regardless of marital status The warning states that the toxic substances and can be fatal to humans. The toxic effect "can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state and acute kidney injury which may lead to death." WHO said that information received from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation indicated that the manufacturer had only supplied the contaminated medications to The Gambia. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO alleges 'made in India' cough syrup linked to death of 66 kids in Gambia, probe underway

President Joe Biden has nominated US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy to serve as the country's representative on the executive board of the World Health Organisation. 
Dr Murthy, 45, will serve in the new position alongside his continued duties as the US Surgeon General, the White House said in a statement.

He was confirmed by the US Senate in March 2021 to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the country. He previously served as the 19th Surgeon General under President Barack Obama.

As the nation's doctor, the Surgeon General's mission is to help lay the foundation for a healthier country, relying on the best scientific information available to provide clear, consistent and equitable guidance and resources for the public.

"While serving as the 21st Surgeon General, Dr Murthy is focused on drawing attention to and working across government to address a number of critical public health issues, including the growing proliferation of health misinformation, the ongoing youth mental health crisis, well-being and burnout in the health worker community, and social isolation and loneliness," said the White House.

As the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr Murthy also commands a uniformed service of over 6,000 dedicated public health officers, serving the most underserved and vulnerable populations.

The first Surgeon General of Indian descent, Dr Murthy, was raised in Miami and is a graduate of Harvard, the Yale School of Medicine, and the Yale School of Management, the White House said.

A renowned physician, research scientist, entrepreneur and author, he lives in Washington, DC with his wife Dr Alice Chen, and their two children, it said.

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Murthy was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire to immigrants from Karnataka, India.

In 1978, the family moved to Newfoundland, where his father worked as a district medical officer. When he was three years old, the family relocated to Miami.

&nbsp;

President Joe Biden has nominated US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy to serve as the country's representative on the executive board of the World Health Organisation.

President Joe Biden has nominated US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy to serve as the country's representative on the executive board of the World Health Organisation. Dr Murthy, 45, will serve in the new position alongside his continued duties as the US Surgeon General, the White House said in a statement. He was confirmed by the US Senate in March 2021 to serve as the 21st Surgeon General of the country. He previously served as the 19th Surgeon General under President Barack Obama. As the nation's doctor, the Surgeon General's mission is to help lay the foundation for a healthier country, relying on the best scientific information available to provide clear, consistent and equitable guidance and resources for the public. "While serving as the 21st Surgeon General, Dr Murthy is focused on drawing attention to and working across government to address a number of critical public health issues, including the growing proliferation of health misinformation, the ongoing youth mental health crisis, well-being and burnout in the health worker community, and social isolation and loneliness," said the White House. As the Vice Admiral of the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr Murthy also commands a uniformed service of over 6,000 dedicated public health officers, serving the most underserved and vulnerable populations. The first Surgeon General of Indian descent, Dr Murthy, was raised in Miami and is a graduate of Harvard, the Yale School of Medicine, and the Yale School of Management, the White House said. A renowned physician, research scientist, entrepreneur and author, he lives in Washington, DC with his wife Dr Alice Chen, and their two children, it said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Murthy was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire to immigrants from Karnataka, India. In 1978, the family moved to Newfoundland, where his father worked as a district medical officer. When he was three years old, the family relocated to Miami.

Biden nominates surgeon general Dr Vivek Murthy as US representative on WHO executive board

In July, the UN Health agency designated monkeypox as a global emergency and appealed to the world to support African countries, so that the catastrophic vaccine inequity that plagued the outbreak of covid-19 wouldn't get repeated. But the global spike in monkepox infection has had little impact on Africa. No rich countries have shared vaccines or treatments with Africa, and some experts fear interest may soon evaporate But why is this the case when it comes to the continent, or rather this often forsaken part of the world?

World of Africa | Africa's 'vaccine inequity'

After more than three years, 6 million deaths and over 600 million infections on record, the end of the pandemic is now in sight. World Health Organisation Chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, stated, "We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic."

'We have never been in a better position to end pandemic,' says WHO Chief

A report by Lancet has highlighted the failures in covid-19 response and expert group has criticised WHO for acting too slowly. What lessons can be learned in case we face another outbreak?

Lancet report highlights failures in covid-19 response; concerns remain over new variants

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom signaled that the pandemic could be nearing its end, but warned countries to not ease up at the final hurdle. As the world prepares to put Covid-19 behind it, could long Covid emerge as the new health crisis? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: WHO chief says coronavirus pandemic's end in sight

World Health Organization (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the world had never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic and urged nations to keep up their efforts against the coronavirus.

WHO chief: World has never been in a better position to end the pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that the world is currently in a better position to end the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Since its outbreak in November 2019, the pandemic has killed over six million people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that the world is currently in a better position to end the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Since its outbreak in November 2019, the pandemic has killed over six million people. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters at a virtual press conference, "We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic. We are not there yet, but the end is in sight." Last week, the newly reported cases of the deadly disease fell to the lowest level since March 2020, Tedros said, and also urged the world to step up to "seize this opportunity". He said, "If we don't take this opportunity now, we run the risk of more variants, more deaths, more disruption, and more uncertainty." ALSO READ | Aspirin found to boost survival rate in cancer patients in new study As per WHO's latest epidemiological report on Covid, the number of reported cases fell 28 per cent to 3.1 million during the week ending September 11, following a 12-per cent-drop a week earlier. The latest report by the Lancet Commission on lessons for the future from Covid gives a detailed analysis of the pandemic. The study has also given some recommendations. It suggests, that there should be steps to finally control and understand the pandemic. ALSO READ | Walking 10,000 steps per day reduces risk of dementia, cancer, and mortality: Study Watch this report: × The study also mentions investments that are realistic, feasible and necessary to strengthen the first line of defence against emerging infectious agents. Also, there must be ambitious proposals to "ignite a renaissance in multilateralism, integrating the global response to the risk of future pandemics with actions to address the climate crisis and reversals in sustainable development." In response, the world health body said that it welcomes the "overarching recommendations" of The Lancet. WHO added that the recommendations "align with our commitment to stronger global, regional & natl pandemic preparedness, prevention, readiness & response". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Seize this opportunity': WHO says end of COVID-19 pandemic is in sight

More than 1,000 health workers and 200 organisations, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), have given a clarion call to address the climate change issue seriously by enacting and legally enforcing non-proliferation treaty to cut global dependence on fossil fuels.

In a public letter released on Wednesday, they have urged the world governments to urgently come out with a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuel exploration and production, similar to the framework convention on tobacco, which was negotiated under the WHO’s auspices in 2003.

They want the existing production to be phased out in a "fair and equitable manner" to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) climate goal that was set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

They have also demanded "financial, technological and other support" for low- and middle-income countries to ensure a "just transition" to a sustainable future.

The&nbsp;initiative drew wide support from the Dalai Lama and 100 other Nobel laureates, the Vatican, several cities and island states, more than 1,000 health professionals and almost 3,000 scientists and academics, reports the Guardian.

“The modern addiction to fossil fuels is not just an act of environmental vandalism. From the health perspective, it is an act of self-sabotage,” said the WHO president, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Calling the letter a watershed moment, the head of the WHO’s climate change department, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, told Guardian, “This is the first time the health sector has come together to issue such a statement explicitly about fossil fuels.”

“The current burden of death and disease from air pollution is comparable to that of tobacco use, while the long-term effects of fossil fuels on the Earth’s climate present an existential threat to humanity – as do nuclear weapons,” the WHO official added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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More than 1,000 health workers and 200 organisations, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), have given a clarion call to address the climate change issue seriously by enacting and legally enforcing non-proliferation treaty to cut global dependence on fossil fuels.

More than 1,000 health workers and 200 organisations, along with the World Health Organisation (WHO), have given a clarion call to address the climate change issue seriously by enacting and legally enforcing non-proliferation treaty to cut global dependence on fossil fuels. In a public letter released on Wednesday, they have urged the world governments to urgently come out with a legally binding treaty to phase out fossil fuel exploration and production, similar to the framework convention on tobacco, which was negotiated under the WHO’s auspices in 2003. They want the existing production to be phased out in a "fair and equitable manner" to meet the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) climate goal that was set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. They have also demanded "financial, technological and other support" for low- and middle-income countries to ensure a "just transition" to a sustainable future. The initiative drew wide support from the Dalai Lama and 100 other Nobel laureates, the Vatican, several cities and island states, more than 1,000 health professionals and almost 3,000 scientists and academics, reports the Guardian. “The modern addiction to fossil fuels is not just an act of environmental vandalism. From the health perspective, it is an act of self-sabotage,” said the WHO president, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Calling the letter a watershed moment, the head of the WHO’s climate change department, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, told Guardian, “This is the first time the health sector has come together to issue such a statement explicitly about fossil fuels.” “The current burden of death and disease from air pollution is comparable to that of tobacco use, while the long-term effects of fossil fuels on the Earth’s climate present an existential threat to humanity – as do nuclear weapons,” the WHO official added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WHO joins over 200 health organisations calling for fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty

According to a recent study funded by the World Health Organization, 17 million people in Europe are estimated to have dealt with long COVID symptoms.

What is long COVID that WHO says 17 million people in Europe have suffered

A senior World Health Organization director has been placed on leave, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, following staff accusations of bullying and other complaints.

"The Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region, Dr Takeshi Kasai, is on leave," a WHO official said in emailed comments, without giving details.

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Two WHO sources confirmed to Reuters that the decision to place Kasai, a physician from Japan who has worked at the body for more than 15 years, on administrative leave was related to an ongoing investigation into various staff complaints.

Kasai was not immediately available for comment. An e-mail sent to the WHO Western Pacific office in Manila was forwarded to the headquarters in Geneva.

The Associated Press reported in January that the complaints included allegations of racist language and of sharing confidential vaccine data with Japan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-monkeypox-death-reported-in-us-in-severely-immunocompromised-patient-511621">First monkeypox death reported in US in 'severely immunocompromised' patient</a>

Kasai, who became the WHO regional director in February 2019, has previously acknowledged being "hard on staff" but rejected the other charges.

He is temporarily being replaced by the U.N. health agency's number 2, Zsuzsanna Jakab, the WHO official added.

A senior World Health Organization director has been placed on leave, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, following staff accusations of bullying and other complaints.

A senior World Health Organization director has been placed on leave, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, following staff accusations of bullying and other complaints. "The Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region, Dr Takeshi Kasai, is on leave," a WHO official said in emailed comments, without giving details. Also read | Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91 Two WHO sources confirmed to Reuters that the decision to place Kasai, a physician from Japan who has worked at the body for more than 15 years, on administrative leave was related to an ongoing investigation into various staff complaints. Kasai was not immediately available for comment. An e-mail sent to the WHO Western Pacific office in Manila was forwarded to the headquarters in Geneva. The Associated Press reported in January that the complaints included allegations of racist language and of sharing confidential vaccine data with Japan. Also read | First monkeypox death reported in US in 'severely immunocompromised' patient Kasai, who became the WHO regional director in February 2019, has previously acknowledged being "hard on staff" but rejected the other charges. He is temporarily being replaced by the U.N. health agency's number 2, Zsuzsanna Jakab, the WHO official added.

WHO Asia director placed on leave amid bullying accusations: Report

As per a World Health Organization (WHO) update, more than 50,000 cases of monkeypox have been recorded in the global outbreak that the world is battling.&nbsp;

WHO figures on Wednesday show that transmission is slowing in the virus hotspots of Europe and the United States, reported AFP.&nbsp;

Speaking to the press, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the decrease in new cases demonstrated that the outbreak could be stopped.

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | Twitter failed to tackle LGBTQ monkeypox hate speech, says study

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"In the Americas, which accounts for more than half of reported cases, several countries continue to see increasing numbers of infections, although it is encouraging to see a sustained downward trend in Canada."

"Some European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, are also seeing a clear slowing of the outbreak, demonstrating the effectiveness of public health interventions and community engagement to track infections and prevent transmission."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-monkeypox-death-reported-in-us-in-severely-immunocompromised-patient-511621" hreflang="en">First monkeypox death reported in US in 'severely immunocompromised' patient</a>

He added that the signs confirm what the WHO has said said since the beginning of the breakout of the disease "that with the right measures, this is an outbreak that can be stopped."

As per Tedros, three things are required to eliminate monkeypox: evidence that it can be done, "which we are now beginning to see," public health measures in communities where they are most needed and political will.

"We don't have to live with monkeypox," he remarked.

The outbreak, which was declared a global health emergency in July has killed sixteen, while 50,496 cases were reported worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per a World Health Organization (WHO) update, more than 50,000 cases of monkeypox have been recorded in the global outbreak that the world is battling. WHO figures on Wednesday show that transmission is slowing in the virus hotspots of Europe and the United States, reported AFP.

As per a World Health Organization (WHO) update, more than 50,000 cases of monkeypox have been recorded in the global outbreak that the world is battling. WHO figures on Wednesday show that transmission is slowing in the virus hotspots of Europe and the United States, reported AFP. Speaking to the press, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the decrease in new cases demonstrated that the outbreak could be stopped. Watch | WION Fineprint | Twitter failed to tackle LGBTQ monkeypox hate speech, says study "In the Americas, which accounts for more than half of reported cases, several countries continue to see increasing numbers of infections, although it is encouraging to see a sustained downward trend in Canada." "Some European countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, are also seeing a clear slowing of the outbreak, demonstrating the effectiveness of public health interventions and community engagement to track infections and prevent transmission." Also read | First monkeypox death reported in US in 'severely immunocompromised' patient He added that the signs confirm what the WHO has said said since the beginning of the breakout of the disease "that with the right measures, this is an outbreak that can be stopped." As per Tedros, three things are required to eliminate monkeypox: evidence that it can be done, "which we are now beginning to see," public health measures in communities where they are most needed and political will. "We don't have to live with monkeypox," he remarked. The outbreak, which was declared a global health emergency in July has killed sixteen, while 50,496 cases were reported worldwide. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'We don't have to live with monkeypox': WHO says the outbreak can be stopped

After weeks of accelerated growth of monkeypox cases across the globe, the epidemic might be slowing down, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Reportedly, the UN agency on Tuesday stated it saw 'encouraging' signs that the epidemic was receding in Europe.

After weeks of accelerated growth of monkeypox cases across the globe, the epidemic might be slowing down, according to World Health Organization (WHO). Reportedly, the UN agency on Tuesday stated it saw 'encouraging' signs that the epidemic was receding in Europe. "There are encouraging early signs, as evidenced in France, Germany, Portugal, Spain, the UK and other countries that the outbreak may be slowing," said Hans Klug, WHO's regional director for Europe. However, to stop people from letting down their guard, Klug also advised that for complete elimination of the virus, more steps were required. "It's going in the right direction. However, to move towards elimination in our region, we need to urgently step up our efforts." he added. According to WHO data, last week saw a steep decline of 21 per cent in the number of new cases reported across the globe. It was the first time that decline had been reported after four consecutive weeks of increase in caseload. A total of 53 countries come under the WHO Europe region, which accounted for more than a third of cases worldwide. WATCH | Monkeypox: Expert tells WION what you must know × As reported by WION, it was last month that WHO, after its emergency committee meeting, declared the monkeypox outbreak a global health emergency. The declaration meant that WHO designated the virus outbreak as a significant threat to global health that warranted an international response. “We have an outbreak that has spread around the world rapidly, through new modes of transmission, about which we understand too little. For all of these reasons, I have decided that the global monkeypox outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern." WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was quoted as saying at the time. Read more | Monkeypox declared a global health emergency by WHO amid surge in cases The symptoms of the virus include fever, headache, muscle ache, tiredness and swollen lymph nodes. First detected in May, the virus rapidly spread to Europe and the United States. Although there is no specific treatment for the monkeypox virus, the health agencies have recommended antivirals such as tecovirimat to treat it. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Monkeypox epidemic may be slowing in Europe: WHO

The World Health Organization announced Thursday that a million people had died from COVID-19 in 2022. Calling it a "tragic milestone", the WHO said that people died even when all the tools existed to prevent deaths. Nearly 6.45 million deaths have been reported to the WHO since the virus was first detected in China in late 2019.

Even as the world learns to live with the virus, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus questioned whether the world was really on top of the pandemic. "This week, we crossed the tragic milestone of one million reported deaths so far this year," he told a press conference.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-man-detected-with-covid-19-monkeypox-and-hiv-at-the-same-time-509983">Italian man infected with COVID-19, monkeypox and HIV, all at the same time</a>

"We cannot say we are learning to live with COVID-19 when one million people have died from it this year alone, when we are two-and-a-half years into the pandemic and have all the tools necessary to prevent these deaths," he said.

Tedros once again stressed the importance of vaccination, and said countries should strive to vaccinate the most vulnerable at the earliest.

"We ask all governments to strengthen their efforts to vaccinate all health workers, older people and others at the highest risk, on the way to 70 percent vaccine coverage for the whole population," he added.

Tedros wanted all countries to have vaccinated 70 per cent of their populations by the end of June. But 136 countries failed to reach the target, of which 66 still had coverage below 40 per cent.

"It is pleasing to see that some countries with the lowest vaccination rates are now making up ground, especially in Africa," Tedros said.

He said only 10 countries had less than 10 per cent coverage, most of which were facing humanitarian emergencies.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-deaths-doubled-this-summer-compared-to-same-period-in-2021-509667">UK Covid deaths doubled this summer compared to same period in 2021</a>

"One-third of the world's population remains unvaccinated, including two-thirds of health workers and three-quarters of older adults in low-income countries. All countries at all income levels must do more to vaccinate those most at risk, to ensure access to life-saving therapeutics, to continue testing and sequencing, and to set tailored, proportionate policies to limit transmission and save lives," Tedros said.

Meanwhile, Derrick Sim of the Gavi vaccine alliance said a million deaths in 2022 was a million too many.

"Behind each statistic is a very real human tragedy, and as... the world deals with competing priorities, we cannot become numb to the toll the pandemic is having on individuals, families, and communities," he said.

The data received by the UN health agency says that over 593 million cases have been reported worldwide till date, and around half of those cases were reported this year.

The Omicron variant accounted for 99 percent of virus samples collected in the last 30 days that have been sequenced and uploaded to the GISAID global science initiative.

Of these, the BA.5 group of Omicron sub-variants remain globally dominant at 74 percent.

"There is increasing diversity within BA.5 descendent lineages, with additional mutations in the spike and non-spike regions," the WHO said.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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The World Health Organization announced Thursday that a million people had died from COVID-19 in 2022. Calling it a "tragic milestone", the WHO said that people died even when all the tools existed to prevent deaths.

The World Health Organization announced Thursday that a million people had died from COVID-19 in 2022. Calling it a "tragic milestone", the WHO said that people died even when all the tools existed to prevent deaths. Nearly 6.45 million deaths have been reported to the WHO since the virus was first detected in China in late 2019. Even as the world learns to live with the virus, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus questioned whether the world was really on top of the pandemic. "This week, we crossed the tragic milestone of one million reported deaths so far this year," he told a press conference. Also Read | Italian man infected with COVID-19, monkeypox and HIV, all at the same time "We cannot say we are learning to live with COVID-19 when one million people have died from it this year alone, when we are two-and-a-half years into the pandemic and have all the tools necessary to prevent these deaths," he said. Tedros once again stressed the importance of vaccination, and said countries should strive to vaccinate the most vulnerable at the earliest. "We ask all governments to strengthen their efforts to vaccinate all health workers, older people and others at the highest risk, on the way to 70 percent vaccine coverage for the whole population," he added. Tedros wanted all countries to have vaccinated 70 per cent of their populations by the end of June. But 136 countries failed to reach the target, of which 66 still had coverage below 40 per cent. "It is pleasing to see that some countries with the lowest vaccination rates are now making up ground, especially in Africa," Tedros said. He said only 10 countries had less than 10 per cent coverage, most of which were facing humanitarian emergencies. Also Read | UK Covid deaths doubled this summer compared to same period in 2021 "One-third of the world's population remains unvaccinated, including two-thirds of health workers and three-quarters of older adults in low-income countries. All countries at all income levels must do more to vaccinate those most at risk, to ensure access to life-saving therapeutics, to continue testing and sequencing, and to set tailored, proportionate policies to limit transmission and save lives," Tedros said. Meanwhile, Derrick Sim of the Gavi vaccine alliance said a million deaths in 2022 was a million too many. "Behind each statistic is a very real human tragedy, and as... the world deals with competing priorities, we cannot become numb to the toll the pandemic is having on individuals, families, and communities," he said. The data received by the UN health agency says that over 593 million cases have been reported worldwide till date, and around half of those cases were reported this year. The Omicron variant accounted for 99 percent of virus samples collected in the last 30 days that have been sequenced and uploaded to the GISAID global science initiative. Of these, the BA.5 group of Omicron sub-variants remain globally dominant at 74 percent. "There is increasing diversity within BA.5 descendent lineages, with additional mutations in the spike and non-spike regions," the WHO said. (With inputs from agencies)

'A tragic milestone': One million people died of COVID-19 in 2022

The World Health Organization has said that there has been a downfall of 21 per cent in the number of monkeypox cases reported globally last week.

Since late April, more than 45,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in 98 countries, following which it was classified as a public health emergency of international concern.

Showing “a continuing steep rise,” the Americas have accounted for 60 per cent&nbsp;of the cases in the past month, according to WHO.

Pointing to lack of awareness and public health measures to control the spread of the virus, the WHO sounded the alarm for Latin America in particular.

According to WHO's latest epidemiological report, the decrease in case numbers may potentially signal that the outbreak is declining in the European region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-man-detected-with-covid-19-monkeypox-and-hiv-at-the-same-time-509983">Also read |&nbsp;Italian man infected with COVID-19, monkeypox and HIV, all at the same time</a>

Many countries, including the US, are trying to stretch out supplies by administering smaller doses to make the most of existing stocks with vaccines in short supply.

Raising doubts about the safety of this so-called fractional dosing approach, the maker of the only approved monkeypox vaccine &nbsp;Bavarian Nordic said WHO is looking closely at the performance of available vaccines.

Saying there was no evidence the once-rare disease was spreading beyond men who were gay, the UK's Health Security Agency downgraded the country’s monkeypox outbreak last month.

While monkeypox spreads through skin-to-skin or skin-to-mouth contact with an infected patient’s lesions, people can also become infected through contact with infected clothing or bedsheets.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The World Health Organization has said that there has been a downfall of 21 per cent in the number of monkeypox cases reported globally last week. Since late April, more than 45,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in 98 countries, following which it was classified as a public health emergency of international concern.

The World Health Organization has said that there has been a downfall of 21 per cent in the number of monkeypox cases reported globally last week. Since late April, more than 45,000 monkeypox cases have been reported in 98 countries, following which it was classified as a public health emergency of international concern. Showing “a continuing steep rise,” the Americas have accounted for 60 per cent of the cases in the past month, according to WHO. Pointing to lack of awareness and public health measures to control the spread of the virus, the WHO sounded the alarm for Latin America in particular. According to WHO's latest epidemiological report, the decrease in case numbers may potentially signal that the outbreak is declining in the European region. Also read | Italian man infected with COVID-19, monkeypox and HIV, all at the same time Many countries, including the US, are trying to stretch out supplies by administering smaller doses to make the most of existing stocks with vaccines in short supply. Raising doubts about the safety of this so-called fractional dosing approach, the maker of the only approved monkeypox vaccine Bavarian Nordic said WHO is looking closely at the performance of available vaccines. Saying there was no evidence the once-rare disease was spreading beyond men who were gay, the UK's Health Security Agency downgraded the country’s monkeypox outbreak last month. While monkeypox spreads through skin-to-skin or skin-to-mouth contact with an infected patient’s lesions, people can also become infected through contact with infected clothing or bedsheets. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Monkeypox cases across globe witnessed 21% dip last week, says WHO

A five-month truce stands broken and peace efforts hampered as fighting broke out on Wednesday in northern Ethiopia between government forces and Tigrayan rebels.

The fresh offensive as per AFP comes after the Ethiopian Air force's announcement that it has downed a plane carrying weapons for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deep shock" at the recent renewal of hostilities and urged for an "immediate cessation of hostilities and for the resumption of peace talks".

Watch |&nbsp;Ethiopia's peace proposal for Tigray rebels

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Moussa Faki Mahamat, the president of the African Union Commission, also urged a "de-escalation" and the restart of "talks to seek a peaceful solution."

As per a US State Department spokesperson, the US too has urged both parties to "redouble efforts to advance talks to achieve a durable ceasefire."

In order to prevent "a return to full-blown war," William Davison, senior Ethiopia analyst for the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank, pleaded with all parties to end hostilities.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-tigray-starves-women-and-girls-resort-to-prostitution-for-survival-report-508750">Battling hunger, Tigray women, girls turn to prostitution for survival: Report</a>

"This serious breach of the truce agreed earlier this year demonstrates the need for the two parties to arrange unconditional face-to-face negotiations as soon as these hostilities cease," he said.

Both the rebels and the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have traded accusations of hindering efforts to end the deadly 21-month war in Africa's second-most populous country. They also have traded accusations over who was to blame for the rebels' decision to re-enter battle.

The TPLF said that government forces and their allies had begun a "large scale" onslaught against southern Tigray early on Wednesday.&nbsp;The government, on the other hand, has accused the TPLF of striking first and breaking the ceasefire.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-community-is-ignoring-tigray-because-of-colour-of-the-skin-of-the-people-who-chief-507894">International community is ignoring Tigray because of 'colour of the skin of the people': WHO chief</a>

In Tigray, the war has led to the death of thousands of people and millions of people require humanitarian aid.&nbsp;There have been numerous accounts of atrocities like mass murder and sexual assault.

The World Food Programme of the UN said last week that rates of malnutrition have "skyrocketed" and that over half of the population of Tigray is suffering from a serious scarcity of food.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A five-month truce stands broken and peace efforts hampered as fighting broke out on Wednesday in northern Ethiopia between government forces and Tigrayan rebels.

A five-month truce stands broken and peace efforts hampered as fighting broke out on Wednesday in northern Ethiopia between government forces and Tigrayan rebels. The fresh offensive as per AFP comes after the Ethiopian Air force's announcement that it has downed a plane carrying weapons for the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). UN chief Antonio Guterres expressed his "deep shock" at the recent renewal of hostilities and urged for an "immediate cessation of hostilities and for the resumption of peace talks". Watch | Ethiopia's peace proposal for Tigray rebels Moussa Faki Mahamat, the president of the African Union Commission, also urged a "de-escalation" and the restart of "talks to seek a peaceful solution." As per a US State Department spokesperson, the US too has urged both parties to "redouble efforts to advance talks to achieve a durable ceasefire." In order to prevent "a return to full-blown war," William Davison, senior Ethiopia analyst for the International Crisis Group (ICG) think tank, pleaded with all parties to end hostilities. Also read | Battling hunger, Tigray women, girls turn to prostitution for survival: Report "This serious breach of the truce agreed earlier this year demonstrates the need for the two parties to arrange unconditional face-to-face negotiations as soon as these hostilities cease," he said. Both the rebels and the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have traded accusations of hindering efforts to end the deadly 21-month war in Africa's second-most populous country. They also have traded accusations over who was to blame for the rebels' decision to re-enter battle. The TPLF said that government forces and their allies had begun a "large scale" onslaught against southern Tigray early on Wednesday. The government, on the other hand, has accused the TPLF of striking first and breaking the ceasefire. Also read | International community is ignoring Tigray because of 'colour of the skin of the people': WHO chief In Tigray, the war has led to the death of thousands of people and millions of people require humanitarian aid. There have been numerous accounts of atrocities like mass murder and sexual assault. The World Food Programme of the UN said last week that rates of malnutrition have "skyrocketed" and that over half of the population of Tigray is suffering from a serious scarcity of food. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tigray crisis: Government and rebels exchange blame for the latest round of hostilities

As the UN's World Food Programme warned Friday that nearly half of the population in Tigray, a war-torn region of Ethiopia, is suffering from a chronic lack of food and conditions "are set to worsen as people enter peak hunger season," reports have revealed the heights of the desperation people face.

According to a Guardian story citing "reports from inside Tigray", as a result of the government's systematic blockage and seizure of remittances that millions of people depend on, starvation in the besieged province of Tigray is driving people to ever-more desperate methods.

Watch |&nbsp;Ethiopia's peace proposal for Tigray rebels

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The report further claims that many women and girls are being forced to engage in sex work to survive.

A 16-year-old girl revealed in a conversation with the Guardian how the suffering of her parents and siblings drove her to sell her body on the streets.

“Relatives abroad had been sending us money through smugglers. But it is tough to find remittance smugglers these days. Those we knew are no longer operating. We sold every property we had. There is nothing to eat at home. So, I went to the street to sell my body. What option do I have?”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-community-is-ignoring-tigray-because-of-colour-of-the-skin-of-the-people-who-chief-507894">International community is ignoring Tigray because of 'colour of the skin of the people': WHO chief</a>

This seems to be the story of many women and girls, some underage, others who once had promising careers.&nbsp;They are engaging in "survival sex".

Another interviewee, this one a 27-year-old woman with a master's degree, who before the war had a solid career, salary, and a plan to pursue a PhD, described how she was compelled to sell her body when the hunger claimed the life of her father.

This may come as a surprise, but she has money in her bank account. But since having been disconnected from the central federal system, banks in Tigray are now completely devoid of cash and have stopped issuing money.

“I watched my father die from malnourishment. He died in my hands. My mother is all bones. The warehouses are full of aid enough to feed the city. Fuel is not required to distribute aid within Mekelle. But people are dying unable to receive the aid they are entitled to. After I lost my father to starvation, I needed to do something to save my own life and my mother’s. Hunger does not give you time. I tried begging. But it does not work as there are many beggars. I became a prostitute.”&nbsp;

According to the WFP's most recent assessment, which covered the period from November 2021 to June 2022, 89 per cent of Tigray's six million inhabitants are facing&nbsp;food insecurity or inconsistent access to food.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the UN's World Food Programme warned Friday that nearly half of the population in Tigray, a war-torn region of Ethiopia, is suffering from a chronic lack of food and conditions "are set to worsen as people enter peak hunger season," reports have revealed the heights of the desperation people face.

As the UN's World Food Programme warned Friday that nearly half of the population in Tigray, a war-torn region of Ethiopia, is suffering from a chronic lack of food and conditions "are set to worsen as people enter peak hunger season," reports have revealed the heights of the desperation people face. According to a Guardian story citing "reports from inside Tigray", as a result of the government's systematic blockage and seizure of remittances that millions of people depend on, starvation in the besieged province of Tigray is driving people to ever-more desperate methods. Watch | Ethiopia's peace proposal for Tigray rebels The report further claims that many women and girls are being forced to engage in sex work to survive. A 16-year-old girl revealed in a conversation with the Guardian how the suffering of her parents and siblings drove her to sell her body on the streets. “Relatives abroad had been sending us money through smugglers. But it is tough to find remittance smugglers these days. Those we knew are no longer operating. We sold every property we had. There is nothing to eat at home. So, I went to the street to sell my body. What option do I have?” Also read | International community is ignoring Tigray because of 'colour of the skin of the people': WHO chief This seems to be the story of many women and girls, some underage, others who once had promising careers. They are engaging in "survival sex". Another interviewee, this one a 27-year-old woman with a master's degree, who before the war had a solid career, salary, and a plan to pursue a PhD, described how she was compelled to sell her body when the hunger claimed the life of her father. This may come as a surprise, but she has money in her bank account. But since having been disconnected from the central federal system, banks in Tigray are now completely devoid of cash and have stopped issuing money. “I watched my father die from malnourishment. He died in my hands. My mother is all bones. The warehouses are full of aid enough to feed the city. Fuel is not required to distribute aid within Mekelle. But people are dying unable to receive the aid they are entitled to. After I lost my father to starvation, I needed to do something to save my own life and my mother’s. Hunger does not give you time. I tried begging. But it does not work as there are many beggars. I became a prostitute.” According to the WFP's most recent assessment, which covered the period from November 2021 to June 2022, 89 per cent of Tigray's six million inhabitants are facing food insecurity or inconsistent access to food. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Battling hunger, Tigray women, girls turn to prostitution for survival: Report

A study was conducted by India, Tanzania, Nigeria, Malawi & Ghana. As per study, immediate KMC reduces premature infant mortality by 25% and direct skin-to-skin contact with mother helps premature born babies.

The 'Kangaroo mother care' method: India introduces first ward to provide immediate KMC

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for about five months now and in this time the plight of Ukrainians has grabbed the attention of the world, while the plight of civilians in Ethiopia's war-shattered Tigray region remains unnoticed. Is it because of racism? Is it because Ukrainians have "fair skin and blue eyes" while Tigrainians possess darker skin?

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization thinks so. He has suggested that racism is to blame for the lack of concern given by the world community to the situation of people in Tigray.

WHO is currently seeking $123.7 million to address the health issues caused by rising malnutrition in the region, which is home to over 200 million people and many of which are going hungry.

Watch |&nbsp;W.H.O Chief cites racism for lack of concern, Tigray crisis worse than Ukraine

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Reuters reports that Tedros called the situation in Tigray the "worst humanitarian crisis in the world" and in an emotional&nbsp;appeal, questioned why the situation is not receiving the same attention as the turmoil in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The situation in Ethiopia has left 6 million people unable to access basic amenities.&nbsp;During a&nbsp;virtual media briefing that&nbsp;was held on Wednesday, Tedros, a native of Tigray, said, "Maybe the reason is the colour of the skin of the people."&nbsp;

Earlier in April, the WHO chief during another briefing questioned whether "black and white lives" in emergencies around the world receive equal attention.&nbsp;

Mike Ryan, the director of WHO's emergency response, also criticised the seeming lack of attention being paid to the health crisis that has resulted from the drought and famine that are occurring in the Horn of Africa.

Ryan stated at a virtual media conference on Wednesday that "no one seems to give a damn about what's happening in the Horn of Africa."

According to AFP, the battle in northern Ethiopia began when Abiy, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, sent soldiers into Tigray to overthrow the TPLF, accusing the rebels of attacking federal army bases.

It came after months of hostilities between the administration and the TPLF, which ruled Ethiopian politics for thirty years before to Abiy's election as president in 2018.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for about five months now and in this time the plight of Ukrainians has grabbed the attention of the world, while the plight of civilians in Ethiopia's war-shattered Tigray region remains unnoticed.

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for about five months now and in this time the plight of Ukrainians has grabbed the attention of the world, while the plight of civilians in Ethiopia's war-shattered Tigray region remains unnoticed. Is it because of racism? Is it because Ukrainians have "fair skin and blue eyes" while Tigrainians possess darker skin? Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization thinks so. He has suggested that racism is to blame for the lack of concern given by the world community to the situation of people in Tigray. WHO is currently seeking $123.7 million to address the health issues caused by rising malnutrition in the region, which is home to over 200 million people and many of which are going hungry. Watch | W.H.O Chief cites racism for lack of concern, Tigray crisis worse than Ukraine Reuters reports that Tedros called the situation in Tigray the "worst humanitarian crisis in the world" and in an emotional appeal, questioned why the situation is not receiving the same attention as the turmoil in Ukraine. The situation in Ethiopia has left 6 million people unable to access basic amenities. During a virtual media briefing that was held on Wednesday, Tedros, a native of Tigray, said, "Maybe the reason is the colour of the skin of the people." Earlier in April, the WHO chief during another briefing questioned whether "black and white lives" in emergencies around the world receive equal attention. Mike Ryan, the director of WHO's emergency response, also criticised the seeming lack of attention being paid to the health crisis that has resulted from the drought and famine that are occurring in the Horn of Africa. Ryan stated at a virtual media conference on Wednesday that "no one seems to give a damn about what's happening in the Horn of Africa." According to AFP, the battle in northern Ethiopia began when Abiy, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, sent soldiers into Tigray to overthrow the TPLF, accusing the rebels of attacking federal army bases. It came after months of hostilities between the administration and the TPLF, which ruled Ethiopian politics for thirty years before to Abiy's election as president in 2018. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

International community is ignoring Tigray because of 'colour of the skin of the people': WHO chief

A complete humanitarian crisis has gripped the war-battered region of Tigray in Ethiopia after a fight between the TPLF and the Ethiopian government broke out in November 2020. Now, the World Health Organization Chief cited racism as the reason that the world is not paying attention to the crisis in Tigray.

W.H.O Chief cites racism for lack of concern, Tigray crisis worse than Ukraine

The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed the two known clades (or lineages), of the fast-spreading monkeypox virus Monday (August 15). WHO chief said that now the lineages will be referred to using Roman numerals.

The World Health Organization (WHO) renamed the two known clades (or lineages), of the fast-spreading monkeypox virus Monday (August 15). WHO chief said that now the lineages will be referred to using Roman numerals. During a news conference, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "The clade formerly known as the Congo Basin or Central African clade will now be referred to as clade I, while the West African clade will be called clade II." With the spread of the virus, a stigma around the disease is also rising as the WHO on Tuesday called for help from the public to come up with a less stigmatising designation for monkeypox. ALSO READ | Experts express concerns over fast-spreading misinformation related to monkeypox virus Global concerns have been raised over the name of the disease that emerged onto the global stage in May when multiple cases were reported in European countries. Previously, the outbreaks of this uncommon disease mostly occur in west and central Africa. Occasionally it spreads elsewhere. The initial symptoms of monkeypox include a high fever, swollen lymph nodes and a chickenpox-like rash. While many of the cases have been linked to men having sex with men, experts stress there is no evidence it was a sexually transmitted disease. ALSO READ | Monkey business: Capuchin monkey at California zoo dials 911 accidentally Issues with the name Experts warn that the name 'monkeypox' may stigmatise the primates it was named after. It is named after monkeys, who play little role in its spread. It can also be stigmatising to the African continent that the animals are often associated with. For instance, recently in Brazil, there have been reported cases of people attacking monkeys over disease fears. "Human monkeypox was given its name before current best practices in naming diseases. We want really to find a name that is not stigmatising," WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib told reporters in Geneva. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO renames two known lineages of monkeypox virus; they will be referred to using Roman numerals

Delhi on Saturday recorded&nbsp;its fifth case of Monkeypox after an African woman, with travel history to Nigeria, tested positive for the virus.

The 22-year-old female patient has been admitted in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital. Monkeypox has already been detected in five cases in the nation's capital, according to Dr. Suresh Kumar, medical director of LNJP Hospital.

A 22-year-old woman's sample tested positive on Friday, according to Dr. Kumar, and she is presently under observation.&nbsp;

"One patient has been admitted in LNJP and her sample tested positive, at present 4 patients are admitted and one has been discharged. Total five cases of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-nitty-gritty-of-monkeypox-500608">Monkeypox</a>&nbsp;has been reported in Delhi. She came positive yesterday. Team of doctors are treating her," the LNJP doctor told ANI.

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The patient has not travelled recently, according to the doctor, but did travel one month ago.

WATCH | Monkeypox: Expert tells WION what you must know

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On July 24 of this year, the day after the World Health Organization (WHO) designated monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Delhi reported its first case of the disease.

To stop the spread of the virus in India, the central government has issued a number of regulations, including those at the borders.

International travellers have been warned to stay away from sick people, dead or alive wild animals, and other individuals.

On July 14, the Kollam district of Kerala announced the country's first case of monkeypox.

Monkeypox has been documented in India ten times so far, with the most recent incidence occurring in the nation's capital.

Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis, or a virus that spreads from animals to humans, according to the World Health Organization. It has symptoms resembling those of smallpox but is clinically less severe.

(With inputs from agencies)

Delhi on Saturday recorded its fifth case of Monkeypox after an African woman, with travel history to Nigeria, tested positive for the virus. The 22-year-old female patient has been admitted in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital.

Delhi on Saturday recorded its fifth case of Monkeypox after an African woman, with travel history to Nigeria, tested positive for the virus. The 22-year-old female patient has been admitted in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital. Monkeypox has already been detected in five cases in the nation's capital, according to Dr. Suresh Kumar, medical director of LNJP Hospital. A 22-year-old woman's sample tested positive on Friday, according to Dr. Kumar, and she is presently under observation. "One patient has been admitted in LNJP and her sample tested positive, at present 4 patients are admitted and one has been discharged. Total five cases of Monkeypox has been reported in Delhi. She came positive yesterday. Team of doctors are treating her," the LNJP doctor told ANI. The patient has not travelled recently, according to the doctor, but did travel one month ago. WATCH | Monkeypox: Expert tells WION what you must know On July 24 of this year, the day after the World Health Organization (WHO) designated monkeypox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, Delhi reported its first case of the disease. To stop the spread of the virus in India, the central government has issued a number of regulations, including those at the borders. International travellers have been warned to stay away from sick people, dead or alive wild animals, and other individuals. On July 14, the Kollam district of Kerala announced the country's first case of monkeypox. Monkeypox has been documented in India ten times so far, with the most recent incidence occurring in the nation's capital. Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis, or a virus that spreads from animals to humans, according to the World Health Organization. It has symptoms resembling those of smallpox but is clinically less severe. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi reports fifth case of Monkeypox; 22-year-old woman tests positive

The number of coronavirus deaths fell by 9 per cent&nbsp;in the last week while new cases remained relatively stable, according to the latest weekly pandemic report released by the World Health Organization Wednesday.

The UN Health agency said there were more than 14,000 COVID-19 deaths in the last week and nearly 7 million new infections. The Western Pacific reported a 30 per cent&nbsp;jump in cases while Africa reported a 46 per cent drop. Cases also fell by more than 20 per cent&nbsp;in the Americas and the Middle East.

The number of new deaths rose by 19 per cent&nbsp;in the Middle East, while dropping by more than 70 per cent&nbsp;in Africa, 15 per cent&nbsp;in Europe and 10 per cent&nbsp;in the Americas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-shanghai-hainan-hk-macau-tibet-covid-outbreaks-lockdowns-mass-tests-expose-china-policy-fail-505221">Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, HK, Macau, Tibet: Covid outbreaks, lockdowns, mass tests expose China policy fail</a>

The WHO said that the omicron subvariant BA.5 remains dominant globally, accounting for nearly 70 per cent&nbsp;of all virus sequences shared with the world's biggest publicly available virus database. The agency said other omicron subvariants, including BA.4 and BA.2, appear to be decreasing in prevalence as BA.5 takes over.

The WHO cautioned that its assessment of COVID-19 trends remains compromised by countries dropping many of their testing, surveillance and sequencing efforts as most countries have relaxed pandemic controls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-coronavirus-is-now-equal-leading-cause-of-death-for-the-first-time-504925">New Zealand: Coronavirus is now equal leading cause of death for the first time</a>

Still, Chinese authorities have announced new restrictions this week, after finding COVID-19 cases in the tourist island of Hainan and in Tibet. Earlier this week, the Chinese government shut down Lhasa's Potala Palace, the traditional home of the Dalai Lama, and also locked down Haikou, the capital of Hainan, in addition to several other cities including the beach resort Sanya.

About 80,000 tourists were stranded this week in Sanya after Chinese officials declared it a COVID-19 hot spot and required people to test negative five times within a week before being allowed to leave.

On Tuesday, the Chinese government sent a first planeload of 125 tourists out of Sanya and said other flights would be organized to fly out tourists in batches once they fulfilled the criteria to leave.

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The number of coronavirus deaths fell by 9 per cent in the last week while new cases remained relatively stable, according to the latest weekly pandemic report released by the World Health Organization Wednesday.

The number of coronavirus deaths fell by 9 per cent in the last week while new cases remained relatively stable, according to the latest weekly pandemic report released by the World Health Organization Wednesday. The UN Health agency said there were more than 14,000 COVID-19 deaths in the last week and nearly 7 million new infections. The Western Pacific reported a 30 per cent jump in cases while Africa reported a 46 per cent drop. Cases also fell by more than 20 per cent in the Americas and the Middle East. The number of new deaths rose by 19 per cent in the Middle East, while dropping by more than 70 per cent in Africa, 15 per cent in Europe and 10 per cent in the Americas. Also read | Beijing, Shanghai, Hainan, HK, Macau, Tibet: Covid outbreaks, lockdowns, mass tests expose China policy fail The WHO said that the omicron subvariant BA.5 remains dominant globally, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of all virus sequences shared with the world's biggest publicly available virus database. The agency said other omicron subvariants, including BA.4 and BA.2, appear to be decreasing in prevalence as BA.5 takes over. The WHO cautioned that its assessment of COVID-19 trends remains compromised by countries dropping many of their testing, surveillance and sequencing efforts as most countries have relaxed pandemic controls. Also read | New Zealand: Coronavirus is now equal leading cause of death for the first time Still, Chinese authorities have announced new restrictions this week, after finding COVID-19 cases in the tourist island of Hainan and in Tibet. Earlier this week, the Chinese government shut down Lhasa's Potala Palace, the traditional home of the Dalai Lama, and also locked down Haikou, the capital of Hainan, in addition to several other cities including the beach resort Sanya. About 80,000 tourists were stranded this week in Sanya after Chinese officials declared it a COVID-19 hot spot and required people to test negative five times within a week before being allowed to leave. On Tuesday, the Chinese government sent a first planeload of 125 tourists out of Sanya and said other flights would be organized to fly out tourists in batches once they fulfilled the criteria to leave. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO: COVID-19 deaths fall overall by 9%, infections stable

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