The onset of Covid pandemic had posed several challenges over the years. From using hand gloves to relying on hand sanitisers, the virus has caused a massive cultural shift among people.

But that change has also led to the generation of medical waste in the last two years across the world.

According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, discarded syringes, used test kits and old vaccine bottles have piled up to create tens of thousands of tonnes of medical waste, posing threat to humans and the environment.

The 71-page document said that 87,000 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE) were ordered via a UN portal between March 2020 and November 2021.

Most of this equipment has likely ended up as waste, the WHO said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-billion-ppe-items-worth-ps27-billion-will-go-waste-reveals-uk-government-449112">&nbsp;5 billion PPE items worth £2.7 billion will go waste, reveals UK government</a>

The extra waste is "threatening human and&nbsp;environmental health&nbsp;and exposing a dire need to improve waste management practices", the UN health agency said.

It noted that a race to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) kits made countries blind towards disposing of COVID-19 health care waste safely and sustainably.

The WHO does not recommend using gloves for vaccine injections but the report said it appeared to be common practice.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-china-summoned-over-suspected-fraud-449141">AstraZeneca China summoned over suspected fraud</a>

Gloves, in terms of volume, constitute the greatest proportion of PPE waste of all items procured by the UN, the report said.

The report also mentions that around 140 million test kits with the potential to generate 2,600 tonnes of mostly plastic trash and enough chemical waste to fill one-third of an Olympic swimming pool.

In addition, it estimates that some 8 billion vaccine doses administered globally have produced an additional 144,000 tonnes of waste in the form of glass vials, syringes, needles, and safety boxes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The onset of Covid pandemic had posed several challenges over the years. From using hand gloves to relying on hand sanitisers, the virus has caused a massive cultural shift among people.

The onset of Covid pandemic had posed several challenges over the years. From using hand gloves to relying on hand sanitisers, the virus has caused a massive cultural shift among people. But that change has also led to the generation of medical waste in the last two years across the world. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, discarded syringes, used test kits and old vaccine bottles have piled up to create tens of thousands of tonnes of medical waste, posing threat to humans and the environment. The 71-page document said that 87,000 tonnes of personal protective equipment (PPE) were ordered via a UN portal between March 2020 and November 2021. Most of this equipment has likely ended up as waste, the WHO said. Also read | 5 billion PPE items worth £2.7 billion will go waste, reveals UK government The extra waste is "threatening human and environmental health and exposing a dire need to improve waste management practices", the UN health agency said. It noted that a race to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) kits made countries blind towards disposing of COVID-19 health care waste safely and sustainably. The WHO does not recommend using gloves for vaccine injections but the report said it appeared to be common practice. Also read | AstraZeneca China summoned over suspected fraud Gloves, in terms of volume, constitute the greatest proportion of PPE waste of all items procured by the UN, the report said. The report also mentions that around 140 million test kits with the potential to generate 2,600 tonnes of mostly plastic trash and enough chemical waste to fill one-third of an Olympic swimming pool. In addition, it estimates that some 8 billion vaccine doses administered globally have produced an additional 144,000 tonnes of waste in the form of glass vials, syringes, needles, and safety boxes. (With inputs from agencies)

Discarded syringes, used PPE, test kits: WHO says Covid waste posing threat to environment, humans

A Member of Parliament (MP) of West Bengal state of India has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday after the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Covid dashboard showed Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) and Arunachal Pradesh as parts of Pakistan and China. &nbsp;

The issue was raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Santanu Sen, who informed the PM, that when he was navigating through the dashboard he came across the discrepancy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-budget-2022-economic-survey-projects-8-85-gdp-growth-for-2022-23-449130" hreflang="en">India Budget 2022: Economic Survey projects 8-8.5% GDP growth for 2022-23</a>

“When I clicked the blue portion, it was showing the COVID-19 data of our country. But to my utter surprise, when I clicked over the differently coloured portions, given to our state of J&amp;K, the larger portion was showing the data of Pakistan and the smaller one was showing the data of China,” Sen wrote. &nbsp;

Sen called it a “serious International issue” that the government should get it corrected. The lawmaker added that it is “grievous for the citizens of our country” and urged the PM to probe into this matter and intimate the right people about the “major mistake”. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-madras-hc-orders-cbi-probe-into-alleged-forced-conversion-suicide-of-minor-girl-in-tamil-nadu-449128" hreflang="en">India: Madras HC orders CBI probe into alleged 'forced-conversion', suicide of minor girl in Tamil Nadu</a>

He has also sent copies of the letter to the Indian government’s ministries of home, external affairs and health. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Member of Parliament (MP) of West Bengal state of India has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday after the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Covid dashboard showed Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Arunachal Pradesh as parts of Pakistan and China.

A Member of Parliament (MP) of West Bengal state of India has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday after the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Covid dashboard showed Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Arunachal Pradesh as parts of Pakistan and China. The issue was raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Santanu Sen, who informed the PM, that when he was navigating through the dashboard he came across the discrepancy. Also Read | India Budget 2022: Economic Survey projects 8-8.5% GDP growth for 2022-23 “When I clicked the blue portion, it was showing the COVID-19 data of our country. But to my utter surprise, when I clicked over the differently coloured portions, given to our state of J&K, the larger portion was showing the data of Pakistan and the smaller one was showing the data of China,” Sen wrote. Sen called it a “serious International issue” that the government should get it corrected. The lawmaker added that it is “grievous for the citizens of our country” and urged the PM to probe into this matter and intimate the right people about the “major mistake”. Also Read | India: Madras HC orders CBI probe into alleged 'forced-conversion', suicide of minor girl in Tamil Nadu He has also sent copies of the letter to the Indian government’s ministries of home, external affairs and health. (With inputs from agencies)

After WHO depicts J&K, Arunachal as parts of Pak, China, Indian MP writes to PM Modi

Scientists in Wuhan have flagged a deadlier coronavirus found in bats from South Africa. They say the virus is one mutation away from infecting humans. Its mortality rate is around 33%.

WHO: More research needed on deadlier coronavirus flagged by Scientists in Wuhan

Even as coronavirus and its variants were not enough, the news of a new type of the virus like Covid (SARS-CoV-2)&nbsp;has made headlines.

With the emergence of every&nbsp;new type of the virus, comes a huge amount of speculation and hype.&nbsp;Well, it is quite understandable as the coronavirus has been tormenting the world for over two years now. &nbsp;

In the latest development, the new type of coronavirus has been detected among bats in South Africa by Chinese researchers.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-is-the-new-stealth-omicron-447976" hreflang="en">Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'?</a>

Even as the research claims that it has latent ability to mutate, the World Health Organisation has said that its potential needs further clarity. &nbsp;

NeoCov can penetrate human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, as per scientists from the Wuhan University in China. &nbsp;

It is actually the closest relative to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-exit-from-zero-covid-19-china-struggles-to-find-policy-off-ramp-448101" hreflang="en">No exit from zero-COVID-19: China struggles to find policy off-ramp</a>

In a paper posted on preprint website bioRxiv, the researchers said, "It is only one mutation away from becoming dangerous for humans."&nbsp; &nbsp;

The paper is yet to be peer-reviewed. &nbsp;

The question whether the NeoCov coronavirus poses a threat to humans requires further study, as per the WHO. &nbsp;

"Whether the virus detected in the study will pose a risk for humans will require further study," the health body was quoted as saying to TASS news agency. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Even as coronavirus and its variants were not enough, the news of a new type of the virus like Covid (SARS-CoV-2) has made headlines. With the emergence of every new type of the virus, comes a huge amount of speculation and hype.

Even as coronavirus and its variants were not enough, the news of a new type of the virus like Covid (SARS-CoV-2) has made headlines. With the emergence of every new type of the virus, comes a huge amount of speculation and hype. Well, it is quite understandable as the coronavirus has been tormenting the world for over two years now. In the latest development, the new type of coronavirus has been detected among bats in South Africa by Chinese researchers. Also Read: Explainer: What is the new 'stealth Omicron'? Even as the research claims that it has latent ability to mutate, the World Health Organisation has said that its potential needs further clarity. NeoCov can penetrate human cells in the same way as SARS-CoV-2, as per scientists from the Wuhan University in China. It is actually the closest relative to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Also Read: No exit from zero-COVID-19: China struggles to find policy off-ramp In a paper posted on preprint website bioRxiv, the researchers said, "It is only one mutation away from becoming dangerous for humans." The paper is yet to be peer-reviewed. The question whether the NeoCov coronavirus poses a threat to humans requires further study, as per the WHO. "Whether the virus detected in the study will pose a risk for humans will require further study," the health body was quoted as saying to TASS news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Wuhan is back in news with revelation on NeoCov. Check out what WHO has to say

WHO's executive board has nominated Dr Tedros for a second term as director-general. Why has no candidate emerged to challenge the controversial incumbent? What will a second term for 'Dr disaster' look like? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Tedros seals another term as WHO chief

US financial contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) have fallen by 25 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic, provisional data show, with Washington's future support to the United Nations agency under review.

The large drop in funding versus the previous two-year period arose from cuts decided by former US President Donald Trump that reveal for the first time the scale of the Trump administration's retreat from the UN&nbsp;body.

US funds are set to go up again in the&nbsp;WHO's next two-year budget following new pledges in December including $280 million by President Joe Biden's administration. However, the Biden administration has also raised doubts about Washington's future support to the global organisation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-navalny-a-terrorist-russia-adds-kremlin-critic-allies-to-terrorists-list-us-eu-condemn-the-move-447614" hreflang="en">Is Navalny a terrorist? Russia adds Kremlin critic, allies to 'terrorists' list; US, EU condemn the move</a>

The UN&nbsp;agency did with over $200 million less from the United States in 2020 and 2021, according to provisional&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;data contained in a budget document reviewed by Reuters that has not yet been made public, though it managed to raise more funds from other donors which enabled an increase of its total budget.

Washington paid $672 million to the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;for its latest two-year budget, down from $893 million in 2018-19, the provisional data showed.

As a result, the United States is no longer the&nbsp;WHO's top donor, with Germany having replaced it gradually through transfers of more than a billion dollars over the last two years.

<img alt="WHO funding" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fa32d3da-da53-4a56-a163-c19ac9f9a689" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2812%29.jpg" />

Graphic:&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;funding (Source:Reuters)

The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;spokesperson did not immediately provide an official comment.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the third largest donor to the&nbsp;WHO, with $584 million in 2020-21, largely spent on a global programme to eradicate polio. The foundation did not immediately reply for a request for comment.

Over the past two years, US funds went down mostly in 2020 - Trump's last full year in the White House - amid a sharp fall in so-called voluntary contributions.

Funding doubled in 2021 when Biden took over, but the increase was not enough to fully restore the US financing level compared to previous periods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-winter-olympics-over-25-of-us-diplomats-may-leave-china-find-out-why-447604" hreflang="en">Ahead of Winter Olympics, over 25% of US diplomats may leave China. Find out why</a>

Trump cut funding and moved to withdraw the United States from the&nbsp;WHO, accusing it of being too close to China and having mismanaged the first phase of the pandemic - accusations that the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;has denied.

The Biden administration brought Washington back into the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;and vowed to restore funding but has also voiced doubts about the&nbsp;WHO's ability to tackle new challenges, including from China.

Inflexible funding

Part of the US financial contributions were delayed by the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;to next year. But even factoring this in, the fall in US funds was still about 20 per cent,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;data show.

About one-third of US funds were mandatory membership fees, which remained stable compared to past years at around $230 million per biennium.

This is considered by the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;the best funding because it allows higher flexibility in spending and permits the agency to channel the money to where it is most needed.

But the majority of funding went to areas selected by the US government.

This is part of a wider trend, with the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;having received in total just less than 20 per cent of its funding in recent years from these mandatory contributions, without strings attached.

Watch |&nbsp;Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO's prominent figure remains unopposed in top post race

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tedros-ghebreyesus-whos-prominent-figure-remains-unopposed-in-top-post-race-447376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;document showed that one of the areas underfunded as of Dec. 21 was country preparation for health emergencies, such as the current pandemic, which is only 73 per cent funded.

WHO&nbsp;Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated on Tuesday that the current funding structure was restrictive.

"The problem is still whatever we have done is mainly an earmarked budget, so it's not really flexible enough," he told the&nbsp;WHO's Executive Board during a public debate, saying that the current financing model was unsustainable.

The United States is opposing a plan to raise mandatory fees, or assessed contributions, to 50 per cent of the&nbsp;WHO's budget in coming years.

"The US seeks to better understand the current funding mechanisms, efficiencies and decision-making before considering an increase in assessed contributions," US health official Mara Burr told the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;board on Tuesday, noting Washington supported efforts to address gaps in financing for preparedness.

By far the largest part of the&nbsp;WHO's funding comes from voluntary contributions from states or private donors&nbsp;who&nbsp;decide the sectors or even the projects where they should be used.

This is one factor that has led the Geneva-based agency to delay the use of some of the funds since they could not all immediately be devoted to fighting the pandemic.

US financial contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) have fallen by 25 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic, provisional data show, with Washington's future support to the United Nations agency under review.

US financial contributions to the World Health Organization (WHO) have fallen by 25 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic, provisional data show, with Washington's future support to the United Nations agency under review. The large drop in funding versus the previous two-year period arose from cuts decided by former US President Donald Trump that reveal for the first time the scale of the Trump administration's retreat from the UN body. US funds are set to go up again in the WHO's next two-year budget following new pledges in December including $280 million by President Joe Biden's administration. However, the Biden administration has also raised doubts about Washington's future support to the global organisation. Also read | Is Navalny a terrorist? Russia adds Kremlin critic, allies to 'terrorists' list; US, EU condemn the move The UN agency did with over $200 million less from the United States in 2020 and 2021, according to provisional WHO data contained in a budget document reviewed by Reuters that has not yet been made public, though it managed to raise more funds from other donors which enabled an increase of its total budget. Washington paid $672 million to the WHO for its latest two-year budget, down from $893 million in 2018-19, the provisional data showed. As a result, the United States is no longer the WHO's top donor, with Germany having replaced it gradually through transfers of more than a billion dollars over the last two years. Graphic: WHO funding (Source:Reuters) The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A WHO spokesperson did not immediately provide an official comment. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is the third largest donor to the WHO, with $584 million in 2020-21, largely spent on a global programme to eradicate polio. The foundation did not immediately reply for a request for comment. Over the past two years, US funds went down mostly in 2020 - Trump's last full year in the White House - amid a sharp fall in so-called voluntary contributions. Funding doubled in 2021 when Biden took over, but the increase was not enough to fully restore the US financing level compared to previous periods. Also read | Ahead of Winter Olympics, over 25% of US diplomats may leave China. Find out why Trump cut funding and moved to withdraw the United States from the WHO, accusing it of being too close to China and having mismanaged the first phase of the pandemic - accusations that the WHO has denied. The Biden administration brought Washington back into the WHO and vowed to restore funding but has also voiced doubts about the WHO's ability to tackle new challenges, including from China. Inflexible funding Part of the US financial contributions were delayed by the WHO to next year. But even factoring this in, the fall in US funds was still about 20 per cent, WHO data show. About one-third of US funds were mandatory membership fees, which remained stable compared to past years at around $230 million per biennium. This is considered by the WHO the best funding because it allows higher flexibility in spending and permits the agency to channel the money to where it is most needed. But the majority of funding went to areas selected by the US government. This is part of a wider trend, with the WHO having received in total just less than 20 per cent of its funding in recent years from these mandatory contributions, without strings attached. Watch | Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO's prominent figure remains unopposed in top post race The WHO document showed that one of the areas underfunded as of Dec. 21 was country preparation for health emergencies, such as the current pandemic, which is only 73 per cent funded. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated on Tuesday that the current funding structure was restrictive. "The problem is still whatever we have done is mainly an earmarked budget, so it's not really flexible enough," he told the WHO's Executive Board during a public debate, saying that the current financing model was unsustainable. The United States is opposing a plan to raise mandatory fees, or assessed contributions, to 50 per cent of the WHO's budget in coming years. "The US seeks to better understand the current funding mechanisms, efficiencies and decision-making before considering an increase in assessed contributions," US health official Mara Burr told the WHO board on Tuesday, noting Washington supported efforts to address gaps in financing for preparedness. By far the largest part of the WHO's funding comes from voluntary contributions from states or private donors who decide the sectors or even the projects where they should be used. This is one factor that has led the Geneva-based agency to delay the use of some of the funds since they could not all immediately be devoted to fighting the pandemic.

US funding to WHO fell by 25% during the pandemic: Report

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, one of the most prominent figures of the global battle against Covid-19, will stand unopposed Tuesday for the nomination to continue heading the World Health Organization.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO's prominent figure remains unopposed in top post race

The COVID-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic, several top experts have opined, adding that a rapid fall in Omicron cases indicated that the deadly virus is in the&nbsp;‘endgame’.

&nbsp;WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told news agency AFP in an interview on Sunday that the region is witnessing the final phase of the Omicron variant.

“It’s plausible that the region is moving towards a kind of pandemic endgame,” Kluge said, adding that Omicron could infect 60 per cent of Europeans by March.

He said that once the Omicron subsides across Europe, “there will be for quite some weeks and months a global immunity, either thanks to the vaccine or because people have immunity due to the infection, and also lowering seasonality.”

“We anticipate that there will be a period of quiet before COVID-19 may come back towards the end of the year, but not necessarily the pandemic coming back,” Kluge said.

US’ top scientist Anthony Fauci also expressed similar optimism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-is-omicron-sub-variant-ba2-a-threat-in-india-more-than-400-cases-found-in-england-446950">COVID-19: Is Omicron 'sub-variant' BA.2 a threat in India? More than 400 cases found in England</a>

He told ABC News that with Covid-19 cases coming down “rather sharply” in parts of the United States, “things are looking good”.

While cautioning against overconfidence, he said that if the recent fall in case numbers in areas like the US's northeast continues, “I believe that you will start to see a turnaround throughout the entire country”.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Europe eyeing an end to COVID-19 pandemic?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-europe-eyeing-an-end-to-covid-19-pandemic-447007/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The WHO regional office for Africa also said last week that cases of Covid had plummeted in that region and deaths were declining for the first time since the Omicron-dominated fourth wave of the virus reached its peak.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/has-third-wave-of-coronavirus-peaked-in-india-find-several-answers-446836">Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers</a>

The Omicron variant, which studies have shown is more contagious than Delta but generally leads to less severe infection among vaccinated people, has raised long-awaited hopes that Covid-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic illness like seasonal flu.&nbsp;

But WHO’s Europe director Kluge cautioned that it was still too early to consider COVID-19 endemic and said that other variants might still emerge.

“There is a lot of talk about endemic but endemic means...that it is possible to predict what's going to happen. This virus has surprised (us) more than once so we have to be very careful,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The COVID-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic, several top experts have opined, adding that a rapid fall in Omicron cases indicated that the deadly virus is in the ‘endgame’.

The COVID-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic, several top experts have opined, adding that a rapid fall in Omicron cases indicated that the deadly virus is in the ‘endgame’. WHO Europe director Hans Kluge told news agency AFP in an interview on Sunday that the region is witnessing the final phase of the Omicron variant. “It’s plausible that the region is moving towards a kind of pandemic endgame,” Kluge said, adding that Omicron could infect 60 per cent of Europeans by March. He said that once the Omicron subsides across Europe, “there will be for quite some weeks and months a global immunity, either thanks to the vaccine or because people have immunity due to the infection, and also lowering seasonality.” “We anticipate that there will be a period of quiet before COVID-19 may come back towards the end of the year, but not necessarily the pandemic coming back,” Kluge said. US’ top scientist Anthony Fauci also expressed similar optimism. Also read | COVID-19: Is Omicron 'sub-variant' BA.2 a threat in India? More than 400 cases found in England He told ABC News that with Covid-19 cases coming down “rather sharply” in parts of the United States, “things are looking good”. While cautioning against overconfidence, he said that if the recent fall in case numbers in areas like the US's northeast continues, “I believe that you will start to see a turnaround throughout the entire country”. Watch | Is Europe eyeing an end to COVID-19 pandemic? The WHO regional office for Africa also said last week that cases of Covid had plummeted in that region and deaths were declining for the first time since the Omicron-dominated fourth wave of the virus reached its peak. Also read | Has third wave of coronavirus peaked in India? Find several answers The Omicron variant, which studies have shown is more contagious than Delta but generally leads to less severe infection among vaccinated people, has raised long-awaited hopes that Covid-19 is starting to shift from a pandemic to a more manageable endemic illness like seasonal flu. But WHO’s Europe director Kluge cautioned that it was still too early to consider COVID-19 endemic and said that other variants might still emerge. “There is a lot of talk about endemic but endemic means...that it is possible to predict what's going to happen. This virus has surprised (us) more than once so we have to be very careful,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Fall in Omicron cases: Early signs of Covid heading towards ‘endgame’, say experts

Even after a surge in Omicron cases, the World Health Organisation has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries. "The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit the international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time. Travel measures should be based on risk assessments and avoid placing the financial burden on international travellers in accordance with Article 40 of the IHR," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

It further said that the state parties should consider a risk-based approach to the "facilitation of international travel by lifting or modifying measures, such as testing and/or quarantine requirements, when appropriate."

Apart from this, the committee praised South Africa for their rapid identification of the Omicron variant.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had earlier warned global leaders that the Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that the Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/usa-approves-baltic-request-to-send-us-made-weapons-to-ukraine-446173">Also read |&nbsp;USA approves Baltic request to send US-made weapons to Ukraine</a>

“Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said.&nbsp;

He further added, "Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives."

He also cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even after a surge in Omicron cases, the World Health Organisation has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries. "The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit the international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time.

Even after a surge in Omicron cases, the World Health Organisation has urged nations to lift travel bans and mandatory vaccination for entry into countries. "The failure of travel restrictions introduced after the detection and reporting of Omicron variant to limit the international spread of Omicron demonstrates the ineffectiveness of such measures over time. Travel measures should be based on risk assessments and avoid placing the financial burden on international travellers in accordance with Article 40 of the IHR," it said in a statement. It further said that the state parties should consider a risk-based approach to the "facilitation of international travel by lifting or modifying measures, such as testing and/or quarantine requirements, when appropriate." Apart from this, the committee praised South Africa for their rapid identification of the Omicron variant. Meanwhile, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had earlier warned global leaders that the Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that the Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over. Also read | USA approves Baltic request to send US-made weapons to Ukraine “Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said. He further added, "Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives." He also cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO urges countries to lift travel bans and not ask for vaccination proof for entry

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

Tedros has also cautioned against the assumption that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is significantly milder and has eliminated the threat posed by the virus.

“Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said late on Tuesday.

"Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives," he added.

He cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”.

Tedros said there were indications that the Omicron-fuelled surge of Covid cases may have peaked in some countries. “Now is not the time to give up and wave the white flag,” he said.

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Omicron continues to sweep the 🌍. I remain concerned about countries with low vaccination rates, as unvaccinated people are many times more at risk of severe illness &amp; death. I urge everyone to do their best to reduce risk of infection &amp; help take pressure off health systems. <a href="https://t.co/CymL7Vxvel">pic.twitter.com/CymL7Vxvel</a>
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros/status/1483530265062486017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Tedros also raised concern about low vaccination coverage in some countries, saying that there was an urgent need to remove the pressure building on health systems.

“We can still significantly reduce the impact of the current wave by sharing and using health tools effectively, and implementing public health and social measures that we know work," Tedros said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-fourth-dose-of-vaccine-not-good-enough-against-omicron-variant-reveals-israeli-study-445635">COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study</a>

The latest warning comes on the backdrop of Europe reporting a record number of Covid infections in the past month.

Europe recorded five million cases last week and the WHO has predicted that Omicron could infect half of all Europeans by March, filling hospitals across the continent.

Germany on Tuesday recorded 112,323 coronavirus cases and 239 deaths, officials said, with Omicron found in more than 70 per cent of the infections.

Brazil has registered a new record number of daily cases of more than 137,000 on Tuesday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-office-locked-with-workers-trapped-inside-after-omicron-case-detected-445537">China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected</a>

And in the Asia-pacific region, Japan has tightened restrictions across the country, including Tokyo, as it battles record infections fuelled by Omicron.

&nbsp;While China has partially relaxed transport restrictions in the megacity of Xi’an where millions have been confined to their homes for weeks.

India, too, 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.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has warned global leaders that Covid pandemic “is nowhere near over” adding that Omicron variant is causing hospitalisations and deaths the world over. Tedros has also cautioned against the assumption that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is significantly milder and has eliminated the threat posed by the virus. “Make no mistake, Omicron is causing hospitalisations and deaths, and even the less severe cases are inundating health facilities," Tedros said late on Tuesday. "Omicron may be less severe, on average, but the narrative that it is a mild disease is misleading, hurts the overall response and costs more lives," he added. He cautioned global leaders that “with the incredible growth of Omicron globally, new variants are likely to emerge, which is why tracking and assessment remain critical”. Tedros said there were indications that the Omicron-fuelled surge of Covid cases may have peaked in some countries. “Now is not the time to give up and wave the white flag,” he said. Omicron continues to sweep the 🌍. I remain concerned about countries with low vaccination rates, as unvaccinated people are many times more at risk of severe illness & death. I urge everyone to do their best to reduce risk of infection & help take pressure off health systems. pic.twitter.com/CymL7Vxvel — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) January 18, 2022 × Tedros also raised concern about low vaccination coverage in some countries, saying that there was an urgent need to remove the pressure building on health systems. “We can still significantly reduce the impact of the current wave by sharing and using health tools effectively, and implementing public health and social measures that we know work," Tedros said. ALSO READ | COVID-19: Fourth dose of vaccine 'not good enough' against Omicron variant, reveals Israeli study The latest warning comes on the backdrop of Europe reporting a record number of Covid infections in the past month. Europe recorded five million cases last week and the WHO has predicted that Omicron could infect half of all Europeans by March, filling hospitals across the continent. Germany on Tuesday recorded 112,323 coronavirus cases and 239 deaths, officials said, with Omicron found in more than 70 per cent of the infections. Brazil has registered a new record number of daily cases of more than 137,000 on Tuesday. ALSO READ | China: Office locked with workers trapped inside after Omicron case detected And in the Asia-pacific region, Japan has tightened restrictions across the country, including Tokyo, as it battles record infections fuelled by Omicron. While China has partially relaxed transport restrictions in the megacity of Xi’an where millions have been confined to their homes for weeks. India, too, 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Pandemic ‘nowhere near over’: WHO chief warns against assumption that Omicron is milder

The World Health Organization has expressed some serious concerns over the current status of the pandemic. According to the WHO Chief the covid-19 pandemic is far from over as the omicron variant continues to sweep across the world. Speaking during a briefing in Geneva, he said that said there were at least about 18 million new covid -19 cases that had been reported last week adding that the number of deaths remained stable.

WHO warns covid-19 pandemic nowhere near over | Omicron variant

Ethiopia has hit out at the World Health Organization Chief for his statement supporting the Tigrayan rebel forces. The Ethiopian government said it will not support his re-election.

Ethiopia has hit out at the WHO Chief for his statement supporting the Tigrayan rebel forces

WHO chief Dr Tedros's home-country Ethiopia has slammed him for compromising the global health body's credibility. Palki Sharma tells you how the WHO chief faces accusations of cover-up & genocide in Ethiopia.

Gravitas: Home country Ethiopia slams Dr. Tedros for 'misconduct'

Ethiopia has accused the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief of supporting the rebellious Tigrayan forces who are fighting the government.

The Ethiopian government was miffed with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when he tweeted that aid was being blocked from getting through his hometown Tigray.

On Thursday, Tedros, who previously served as the Ethiopian health minister and foreign minister, &nbsp;tweeted. “People in #Tigray #Ethiopia, living under de facto blockade for over a year, are dying from lack of medicine &amp; food, &amp; repeated drone attacks. @WHO &amp; partners call for safe, unimpeded access to deliver humanitarian aid to the millions of people in great need."

The tweet didn’t sit well with the Ethiopian government which denied blocking aid.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/twitter-temporarily-suspends-trends-feature-in-ethiopia-over-fear-of-violence-427199">&nbsp;Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence</a>

“Tedros Adhanom’s moral, legal and professional standing threatens WHO’s organisational standing,” it said in a statement, reports Reuters.

“He has spread harmful misinformation and compromised WHO's reputation, independence, credibility which is evident from his social media postings,” it added.

Ethiopia's foreign ministry said Tedros failed to show integrity and professionalism and was a member of the TPLF, which dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly 30 years before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's 2018 appointment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-appreciates-indias-stance-on-tigray-conflict-at-unsc-404485">Ethiopia appreciates India's stance on Tigray conflict at UNSC</a>

"Tedros encourages the TPLF in his media engagements and celebrates what is presumed to be a military success of the group, besides engaging in selective outrage where he discriminately addresses the humanitarian concerns in Ethiopia," the ministry said.

The government designated TPLF a terrorist group after the war erupted in November 2020. Tedros, a Tigrayan, was a member of the TPLF, Reuters reported.

Thousands have been killed in the conflict in Tigray, which spread to two neighbouring regions in northern Ethiopia before Tigrayan forces were forced to withdraw back to Tigray in December.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia has accused the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief of supporting the rebellious Tigrayan forces who are fighting the government. The Ethiopian government was miffed with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when he tweeted that aid was being blocked from getting through his hometown Tigray.

Ethiopia has accused the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief of supporting the rebellious Tigrayan forces who are fighting the government. The Ethiopian government was miffed with WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus when he tweeted that aid was being blocked from getting through his hometown Tigray. On Thursday, Tedros, who previously served as the Ethiopian health minister and foreign minister, tweeted. “People in #Tigray #Ethiopia, living under de facto blockade for over a year, are dying from lack of medicine & food, & repeated drone attacks. @WHO & partners call for safe, unimpeded access to deliver humanitarian aid to the millions of people in great need." The tweet didn’t sit well with the Ethiopian government which denied blocking aid. Also read | Twitter temporarily suspends Trends feature in Ethiopia over fear of violence “Tedros Adhanom’s moral, legal and professional standing threatens WHO’s organisational standing,” it said in a statement, reports Reuters. “He has spread harmful misinformation and compromised WHO's reputation, independence, credibility which is evident from his social media postings,” it added. Ethiopia's foreign ministry said Tedros failed to show integrity and professionalism and was a member of the TPLF, which dominated Ethiopian politics for nearly 30 years before Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's 2018 appointment. Also read | Ethiopia appreciates India's stance on Tigray conflict at UNSC "Tedros encourages the TPLF in his media engagements and celebrates what is presumed to be a military success of the group, besides engaging in selective outrage where he discriminately addresses the humanitarian concerns in Ethiopia," the ministry said. The government designated TPLF a terrorist group after the war erupted in November 2020. Tedros, a Tigrayan, was a member of the TPLF, Reuters reported. Thousands have been killed in the conflict in Tigray, which spread to two neighbouring regions in northern Ethiopia before Tigrayan forces were forced to withdraw back to Tigray in December. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces

The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally.&nbsp;

In the efforts to counter the threat imposed by the COVID-19 and its variants, experts and scientists around the world are working to find treatments to minimise the risk.&nbsp;

The latest approval came as several countries are witnessing a steep surge in the number of Covid cases fuelled by the 'variant of concern' Omicron.&nbsp;

Also important to note that the Covid treatment recommendations by WHO are updated regularly based on new data from clinical trials.

Now, arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators, the WHO experts said in their recommendation in <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/376/bmj.o97">British medical Journal the BMJ</a>.&nbsp;

"The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib, which is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical covid-19 in combination with corticosteroids, an expert group from the World Health Organization has written in The BMJ," a part of the journal read.&nbsp;

Experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Sotrovimab's benefits for people not at risk of hospitalisation were deemed insignificant and the WHO said its effectiveness against new variants like Omicron was "still uncertain".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disappointed-us-supreme-court-blocks-bidens-vaccine-mandate-for-businesses-444557">'Disappointed': US Supreme Court blocks Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses</a>

Other treatments approved by WHO

Only three other treatments for Covid have received WHO approval, starting with corticosteroids for severely ill patients in September 2020. Corticosteroids are inexpensive and widely available and fight inflammation that commonly accompanies severe cases.

Arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab, which the WHO endorsed in July, are IL-6 inhibitors that suppress a dangerous overreaction of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Baricitinib is in a different class of drugs known as Janus kinase inhibitors, but it falls under the same guidelines as the IL-6 inhibitors.

"When both are available, choose one based on issues including cost and clinician experience," the guidelines say.

Synthetic antibody treatment Regeneron was approved by the WHO in September and the guidelines say Sotrovimab can be used for the same type of patients.

WATCH:&nbsp;US hospitalisation witness an increase by 33% and deaths by 40%

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(With inputs from agencies)

The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally.

The global health governing body - the World Health Organization has approved two new treatments of coronavirus (COVID-19) on Friday (January 14) amid a sharp rise in the virus cases globally. In the efforts to counter the threat imposed by the COVID-19 and its variants, experts and scientists around the world are working to find treatments to minimise the risk. The latest approval came as several countries are witnessing a steep surge in the number of Covid cases fuelled by the 'variant of concern' Omicron. Also important to note that the Covid treatment recommendations by WHO are updated regularly based on new data from clinical trials. Now, arthritis drug baricitinib used with corticosteroids to treat severe or critical Covid patients led to better survival rates and reduced need for ventilators, the WHO experts said in their recommendation in British medical Journal the BMJ. "The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib, which is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, is strongly recommended for patients with severe or critical covid-19 in combination with corticosteroids, an expert group from the World Health Organization has written in The BMJ," a part of the journal read. Experts also recommended synthetic antibody treatment Sotrovimab for people with non-serious Covid at highest risk of hospitalisation, such as the elderly, people with immunodeficiencies or chronic diseases such as diabetes. Sotrovimab's benefits for people not at risk of hospitalisation were deemed insignificant and the WHO said its effectiveness against new variants like Omicron was "still uncertain". ALSO READ | 'Disappointed': US Supreme Court blocks Biden's vaccine mandate for businesses Other treatments approved by WHO Only three other treatments for Covid have received WHO approval, starting with corticosteroids for severely ill patients in September 2020. Corticosteroids are inexpensive and widely available and fight inflammation that commonly accompanies severe cases. Arthritis drugs tocilizumab and sarilumab, which the WHO endorsed in July, are IL-6 inhibitors that suppress a dangerous overreaction of the immune system to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Baricitinib is in a different class of drugs known as Janus kinase inhibitors, but it falls under the same guidelines as the IL-6 inhibitors. "When both are available, choose one based on issues including cost and clinician experience," the guidelines say. Synthetic antibody treatment Regeneron was approved by the WHO in September and the guidelines say Sotrovimab can be used for the same type of patients. WATCH: US hospitalisation witness an increase by 33% and deaths by 40% × (With inputs from agencies)

Two new COVID-19 treatments approved by World Health Organization

As the world grapples with the omicron variant and rushes to provide booster doses to their vulnerable population, the world health organization has warned that the omicron variant is dangerous especially for those who have not been vaccinated.

WHO: Omicron variant is dangerous for those who have not been vaccinated yet

World Health Organization is condemned what it is termed as the de facto blockade preventing medicines and other life-saving supplies reaching Ethiopia's Tigray province. The chief of the WHO's emergency response programme said the situation remains pretty desperate.

WHO condemns medicine, life-saving supplies blockade in Tigray

The World Health Organization said that repeating booster doses of the original COVID vaccines are not a viable strategy to combat the emerging variants.

WHO: Booster jabs of existing COVID vaccines are not a viable strategy to combat the new variants

Protests over pandemic restrictions mount stiff challenges for governments. The World Health Organization has warned that Omicron could infect more than half of Europe's population in the next six to eight weeks.

WHO: Omicron could infect more than half of Europe's population in the next six to eight weeks

World Health Organization has warned that repeating booster doses of the original Covid-19 vaccines is not a viable strategy to combat emerging variants. The body has called for new specific jabs that can better protect against transmission.

'Booster shots not a viable longterm plan,' claims WHO

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England. As per the agency, the person acquired the infection from very close contact with a large number of infected birds which were kept in their home for a prolonged time. "Bird-to-human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has previously only occurred a small number of times in the UK," the agency said in a statement.&nbsp;

The individual is now self-isolating and all his close contacts have been traced. Also, there has been no evidence of onward spread of the infection as of now.

The agency described bird flu or avian flu as a type of influenza that spreads among birds. It further highlighted that its risk to the public is usually very low.&nbsp;

Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA said, "While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-provide-comfort-us-president-visits-wildfire-ravaged-colorado-443068">Also read |&nbsp;To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado</a>

He further added, "Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread."

As a precautionary measure, the UK&nbsp;government has reported this incidence to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

In a statement, the agency assured that it follows up all individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed case of avian influenza. "For those with the highest risk exposures, we contact them daily to see if they have developed symptoms so that we can take appropriate action," it stated.

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England.

United Kingdom's Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recently announced that a 'very rare' case of bird flu has been detected in a person living in southwest England. As per the agency, the person acquired the infection from very close contact with a large number of infected birds which were kept in their home for a prolonged time. "Bird-to-human transmission of avian flu is very rare and has previously only occurred a small number of times in the UK," the agency said in a statement. The individual is now self-isolating and all his close contacts have been traced. Also, there has been no evidence of onward spread of the infection as of now. The agency described bird flu or avian flu as a type of influenza that spreads among birds. It further highlighted that its risk to the public is usually very low. Professor Isabel Oliver, Chief Scientific Officer at UKHSA said, "While the risk of avian flu to the general public is very low, we know that some strains do have the potential to spread to humans and that’s why we have robust systems in place to detect these early and take action." Also read | To provide comfort, US President visits wildfire-ravaged Colorado He further added, "Currently there is no evidence that this strain detected in the UK can spread from person to person, but we know that viruses evolve all the time and we continue to monitor the situation closely. We have followed up all of this individual’s contacts and have not identified any onward spread." As a precautionary measure, the UK government has reported this incidence to the World Health Organization. In a statement, the agency assured that it follows up all individuals who have been in contact with a confirmed case of avian influenza. "For those with the highest risk exposures, we contact them daily to see if they have developed symptoms so that we can take appropriate action," it stated.

'Very rare' human case of bird flu detected in UK; Incident reported to WHO

The WHO has issued a warning on the spread of Omicron variant and asked people to be careful as the cases of the variant rise.

World Health Organisation issues warning on Omicron spread

Amid a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases worldwide, the WHO has now warned that dismissing the Omicron variant as a mild infection will be a monumental mistake.

WHO: Dismissing the Omicron variant as a mild infection will be a monumental mistake

World Health Organization says that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is killing people around the world, and should not be disregarded as mild.

According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, hospitals are overburdened by the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, which is rapidly outcompeting the Delta variant in many countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/research-model-predicts-omicron-is-not-done-evolving-it-can-further-evolve-to-increase-transmission-442604" hreflang="en">Research model predicts Omicron is not done evolving, it can further evolve to increase transmission</a>

"While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild," Tedros told a press conference.

"Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people," he explained.&nbsp;"In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world."

Nearly 9.5 million new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the WHO last week, which is a record 71 per cent increase from the previous week.

However, even this was an underestimate, Tedros said since it did not include the backlog of testing around the Christmas and New Year holidays, positive tests that were not registered, and overburdened surveillance systems that missed cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccine-sceptic-bolsonaro-criticises-health-regulator-dismisses-vaccinating-children-442782" hreflang="en">'Vaccine sceptic' Bolsonaro criticises health regulator, dismisses vaccinating children</a>

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead for COVID-19, said it was "very unlikely" that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/omicron">Omicron</a> would be the last variant of concern before the pandemic ended.

In the face of the more transmissible Omicron variant, Van Kerkhove encouraged the general public to step up the measures they were already taking for their own protection.

"Do everything that we have been advising better, more comprehensively, more purposefully," she said.&nbsp;"We need people to hang in there and really fight."

She said she was amazed at how sloppily some people wore facemasks.

"It needs to cover your nose and mouth... wearing a mask below your chin is useless," she said.

Using his first speech of 2022, Tedros condemned the way wealthy nations hoarded vaccine doses last year. He said it had created the perfect breeding ground for the emergence of virus variants. To stop the "death and destruction" of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a>, he urged the world in 2022 to share out vaccine doses more fairly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/child-in-los-angeles-detected-with-flurona-what-are-the-symptoms-442563" hreflang="en">Child in Los Angeles detected with 'flurona'; what are the symptoms?</a>

Tedros had hoped to have 10 per cent of every country's population vaccinated by September 2021 and 40 per cent by December 2021.

As per WHO estimates 92 of its 194 members missed the target set for the end of 2021, and 36 did not even vaccinate the first 10 per cent due to lack of access to vaccines.

Now, he wants 70 per cent of people in each country to be jabbed by mid-2022. However, 109 countries will miss the target due to the current pace of vaccine deployment.

"Vaccine inequity is a killer of people and jobs and it undermines a global economic recovery," said Tedros.

"Booster after booster in a small number of countries will not end a pandemic while billions remain completely unprotected."

Watch |&nbsp;WHO: Dismissing the Omicron variant as a mild infection will be a monumental mistake

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/who-dismissing-the-omicron-variant-as-a-mild-infection-will-be-a-monumental-mistake-442856/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Bruce Aylward, the WHO's lead on accessing coronavirus tools, said that there was "no need to finish 2022 in a pandemic".

Michael Ryan, WHO's director of emergencies, however, said that without vaccine equity, "we will be sitting here at the end of 2022 having somewhat the same conversation, which, in itself, would be a great tragedy".

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organization says that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is killing people around the world, and should not be disregarded as mild. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, hospitals are overburdened by the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, which is rapidly outcompeting the Delta variant in many countries.

World Health Organization says that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is killing people around the world, and should not be disregarded as mild. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO chief, hospitals are overburdened by the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, which is rapidly outcompeting the Delta variant in many countries. Also read | Research model predicts Omicron is not done evolving, it can further evolve to increase transmission "While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those vaccinated, it does not mean it should be categorised as mild," Tedros told a press conference. "Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people," he explained. "In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world." Nearly 9.5 million new cases of COVID-19 were reported to the WHO last week, which is a record 71 per cent increase from the previous week. However, even this was an underestimate, Tedros said since it did not include the backlog of testing around the Christmas and New Year holidays, positive tests that were not registered, and overburdened surveillance systems that missed cases. Also read | 'Vaccine sceptic' Bolsonaro criticises health regulator, dismisses vaccinating children Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's technical lead for COVID-19, said it was "very unlikely" that Omicron would be the last variant of concern before the pandemic ended. In the face of the more transmissible Omicron variant, Van Kerkhove encouraged the general public to step up the measures they were already taking for their own protection. "Do everything that we have been advising better, more comprehensively, more purposefully," she said. "We need people to hang in there and really fight." She said she was amazed at how sloppily some people wore facemasks. "It needs to cover your nose and mouth... wearing a mask below your chin is useless," she said. Using his first speech of 2022, Tedros condemned the way wealthy nations hoarded vaccine doses last year. He said it had created the perfect breeding ground for the emergence of virus variants. To stop the "death and destruction" of COVID-19, he urged the world in 2022 to share out vaccine doses more fairly. Also read | Child in Los Angeles detected with 'flurona'; what are the symptoms? Tedros had hoped to have 10 per cent of every country's population vaccinated by September 2021 and 40 per cent by December 2021. As per WHO estimates 92 of its 194 members missed the target set for the end of 2021, and 36 did not even vaccinate the first 10 per cent due to lack of access to vaccines. Now, he wants 70 per cent of people in each country to be jabbed by mid-2022. However, 109 countries will miss the target due to the current pace of vaccine deployment. "Vaccine inequity is a killer of people and jobs and it undermines a global economic recovery," said Tedros. "Booster after booster in a small number of countries will not end a pandemic while billions remain completely unprotected." Watch | WHO: Dismissing the Omicron variant as a mild infection will be a monumental mistake Bruce Aylward, the WHO's lead on accessing coronavirus tools, said that there was "no need to finish 2022 in a pandemic". Michael Ryan, WHO's director of emergencies, however, said that without vaccine equity, "we will be sitting here at the end of 2022 having somewhat the same conversation, which, in itself, would be a great tragedy". (With inputs from agencies)

WHO cautions against underestimating Omicron as 'mild', decries vaccine inequity

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the rising Omicron cases—which is fast becoming the dominant variant—could pave the way for a new, more dangerous variant.

Speaking to news agency AFP, the WHO in Europe said that the soaring infection rates may have opposite effects.

“The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant. Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death ... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out,” WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood said.

So far, studies have indicated that though the Omicron variant can easily bypass the immunity offered by vaccines, the new strain is milder than the previous variants.

Europe is in the midst of a fresh Covid wave, with several regions recording over 100 million Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than five million new cases in the last week of 2021.

“We're in a very dangerous phase, we're seeing infection rates rise very significantly in Western Europe, and the full impact of that is not yet clear," Smallwood said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-sustainable-to-vaccinate-the-planet-every-6-months-says-oxford-vaccine-co-creator-442308">Not sustainable to vaccinate the planet every 6 months, says Oxford vaccine co-creator</a>

Of the European infections, more than 4.9 million have been reported over the past seven days alone, with 17 out of 52 countries or territories beating their previous record of most cases in a single week.

France alone has recorded more than one million new cases over the past week, which is equivalent to 10 per cent of all positive cases it has announced since the start of the pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-fda-amends-emergency-use-of-pfizer-booster-dose-for-more-teens-442035">Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens</a>

Covid-related deaths are however decreasing in Europe, reports AFP.

Europe recorded on average 3,413 coronavirus deaths a day over the past week, a seven per cent drop from the previous week.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the rising Omicron cases—which is fast becoming the dominant variant—could pave the way for a new, more dangerous variant.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the rising Omicron cases—which is fast becoming the dominant variant—could pave the way for a new, more dangerous variant. Speaking to news agency AFP, the WHO in Europe said that the soaring infection rates may have opposite effects. “The more Omicron spreads, the more it transmits and the more it replicates, the more likely it is to throw out a new variant. Now, Omicron is lethal, it can cause death ... maybe a little bit less than Delta, but who's to say what the next variant might throw out,” WHO senior emergencies officer Catherine Smallwood said. So far, studies have indicated that though the Omicron variant can easily bypass the immunity offered by vaccines, the new strain is milder than the previous variants. Europe is in the midst of a fresh Covid wave, with several regions recording over 100 million Covid cases since the start of the pandemic, and more than five million new cases in the last week of 2021. “We're in a very dangerous phase, we're seeing infection rates rise very significantly in Western Europe, and the full impact of that is not yet clear," Smallwood said. Also read | Not sustainable to vaccinate the planet every 6 months, says Oxford vaccine co-creator Of the European infections, more than 4.9 million have been reported over the past seven days alone, with 17 out of 52 countries or territories beating their previous record of most cases in a single week. France alone has recorded more than one million new cases over the past week, which is equivalent to 10 per cent of all positive cases it has announced since the start of the pandemic. Also read | Omicron update: FDA amends emergency use of Pfizer booster dose for more teens Covid-related deaths are however decreasing in Europe, reports AFP. Europe recorded on average 3,413 coronavirus deaths a day over the past week, a seven per cent drop from the previous week. (With inputs from agencies)

Rising Omicron cases may lead to more dangerous variants, warns WHO

As countries across the world tackle an Omicron surge, the World Health Organization has said that more and more evidence is emerging that points at the new variant being milder than the previous ones.

WHO: Evidences suggest that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is milder than previous variants

As countries across the world tackle an Omicron surge, the World Health Organization has said that countries with a high portion of unvaccinated are at risk.

WHO warns that next variant could be more dangerous

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed optimism that the COVID-19 pandemic can end in 2022, provided countries stop hoarding vaccines and ensure equitable access.

Ghebreyesus on Friday warned against “narrow nationalism and vaccine hoarding” in a new year statement, reports the BBC.

His comments come two years since the WHO was first notified of cases of an unknown pneumonia strain in China.

“Narrow nationalism and vaccine hoarding by some countries have undermined equity and created the ideal conditions for the emergence of the Omicron variant, and the longer inequity continues, the higher the risks of the virus evolving in ways we can't prevent or predict," he said.

"If we end inequity, we end the pandemic," he added.

Highlighting that COVID-19 is not the only health threat the world's people will face next year, he said that millions of people have missed out on routine vaccination, services for family planning, treatment for communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/85-of-omicron-hospitalisations-did-not-have-booster-vax-in-england-report-441622">85% of Omicron hospitalisations did not have booster vax in England: Report</a>

“While no country is out of the woods from the pandemic, we have many new tools to prevent and treat COVID-19.&nbsp;The longer inequity continues, the higher the risks of this virus evolving in ways we can't prevent or predict. If we end inequity, we end the pandemic,” he said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/omicron-less-severe-than-other-variants-find-out-why-441594" hreflang="en">Omicron less severe than other variants: Find out why?</a>

“As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm confident that this will be the year we end it —but only if we do it together,” he said.

He further said that WHO recommended broad use of the world's first malaria vaccine, which if introduced widely and urgently, could save tens of thousands of lives every year.

“The eradication of polio has never been closer, with just five cases recorded in the two remaining endemic countries. And tobacco use continues to decline. Meanwhile, WHO and our partners responded to crises around the world, including stopping new outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg," WHO chief said.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed optimism that the COVID-19 pandemic can end in 2022, provided countries stop hoarding vaccines and ensure equitable access.

World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed optimism that the COVID-19 pandemic can end in 2022, provided countries stop hoarding vaccines and ensure equitable access. Ghebreyesus on Friday warned against “narrow nationalism and vaccine hoarding” in a new year statement, reports the BBC. His comments come two years since the WHO was first notified of cases of an unknown pneumonia strain in China. “Narrow nationalism and vaccine hoarding by some countries have undermined equity and created the ideal conditions for the emergence of the Omicron variant, and the longer inequity continues, the higher the risks of the virus evolving in ways we can't prevent or predict," he said. "If we end inequity, we end the pandemic," he added. Highlighting that COVID-19 is not the only health threat the world's people will face next year, he said that millions of people have missed out on routine vaccination, services for family planning, treatment for communicable and non-communicable diseases. Also read | 85% of Omicron hospitalisations did not have booster vax in England: Report “While no country is out of the woods from the pandemic, we have many new tools to prevent and treat COVID-19. The longer inequity continues, the higher the risks of this virus evolving in ways we can't prevent or predict. If we end inequity, we end the pandemic,” he said. Also read | Omicron less severe than other variants: Find out why? “As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm confident that this will be the year we end it —but only if we do it together,” he said. He further said that WHO recommended broad use of the world's first malaria vaccine, which if introduced widely and urgently, could save tens of thousands of lives every year. “The eradication of polio has never been closer, with just five cases recorded in the two remaining endemic countries. And tobacco use continues to decline. Meanwhile, WHO and our partners responded to crises around the world, including stopping new outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg," WHO chief said. (With inputs from agencies)

'COVID-19 can end in 2022, if…', says WHO chief Ghebreyesus amid Omicron spread

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warns against underestimating the Omicron variant of the coronavirus as cases surge rapidly worldwide.

WHO warns against underestimating Omicron variant as mild amid a rapid surge in cases worldwide

Covid-19 infections have broken records in parts of Europe in recent weeks, governments are scrambling to bolster defences against the fast-spreading Omicron. Amid the health crisis, the WHO has warned nations that the Omicron variant appears to be better at evading anti-bodies.

'Omicron strain infecting the vaccinated,' WHO issues warning on Covid-19 variant

WHO Chief urges cancelling gatherings as Omicron appears to be better at evading antibodies

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