Outbreaks of endemic diseases such as monkeypox and lassa fever are becoming more persistent and frequent, the World Health Organization`s (WHO) warned on Wednesday.

Climate change impacts humans and animals, WHO warns against 'endemic diseases'

WHO warns against endemic diseases such as monkeypox, lassa fever

The World Health Organization lamented Wednesday that it had no access to data about North Korea's Covid-19 outbreak, but assumed the crisis was deepening, contrary to Pyongyang's reports of "progress".

North Korea, which announced its first ever coronavirus cases on May 12, said last week its Covid outbreak had been brought under control, with state media reporting falling caseloads.

But WHO emergency director Michael Ryan questioned that claim.

"We assume that the situation is getting worse, not better," he told reporters, acknowledging though that the secretive totalitarian state had provided only very limited information.

"Right now we are not in a position to make an adequate risk assessment of the situation on the ground," he said, pointing out that "it is very, very difficult to provide a proper analysis to the world when we don't have access to the necessary data."

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's lead on Covid-19, meanwhile, said the country had registered more than three million suspected Covid cases, although the official accounts only mention cases of "fever".

Watch | Coronavirus spread in North Korea: Kim Jong Un calls it ‘great turmoil’ | Key details

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The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported early Thursday some 96,600 "fevered cases" in 24 hours, for a total of 3.8 million cases since late April. No new deaths were announced, with 69 fatalities as of late last week.

It was the third consecutive daily tally of less than 100,000, down from a high of 390,000 daily cases in mid-May, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

Despite having one of the worst health systems in the world, KCNA reported Thursday that more than 95 percent of cases had recovered.

"There are many recoveries that have been reported, but there's limited information that we have from the country currently," Van Kerkhove said.

North Korea has also rejected jabs offered by the WHO and not vaccinated any of its roughly 25 million people.

Ryan stressed the importance of reining in the outbreak in the impoverished country.

"We have offered assistance on multiple occasions. We have offered vaccines on three separate occasions. We continue to offer," he said.

He said the UN health agency was working with China and South Korea in a bid to get aid in, hailing "a very positive attitude towards trying to deal with this &nbsp;collective problem."

The WHO has repeatedly cautioned against allowing the virus that causes Covid-19 to spread unchecked, among other things since it then is more likely to mutate and produce new, potentially more dangerous variants.

"We do not wish to see intense transmission of this disease in a mainly susceptible population, in a health system that has already weakened," Ryan said.

"This is not this is not good for the people of (North Korea). This is not good for the region. This is not good for the world."

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The World Health Organization lamented Wednesday that it had no access to data about North Korea's Covid-19 outbreak, but assumed the crisis was deepening, contrary to Pyongyang's reports of "progress".

The World Health Organization lamented Wednesday that it had no access to data about North Korea's Covid-19 outbreak, but assumed the crisis was deepening, contrary to Pyongyang's reports of "progress". North Korea, which announced its first ever coronavirus cases on May 12, said last week its Covid outbreak had been brought under control, with state media reporting falling caseloads. But WHO emergency director Michael Ryan questioned that claim. "We assume that the situation is getting worse, not better," he told reporters, acknowledging though that the secretive totalitarian state had provided only very limited information. "Right now we are not in a position to make an adequate risk assessment of the situation on the ground," he said, pointing out that "it is very, very difficult to provide a proper analysis to the world when we don't have access to the necessary data." Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO's lead on Covid-19, meanwhile, said the country had registered more than three million suspected Covid cases, although the official accounts only mention cases of "fever". Watch | Coronavirus spread in North Korea: Kim Jong Un calls it ‘great turmoil’ | Key details The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported early Thursday some 96,600 "fevered cases" in 24 hours, for a total of 3.8 million cases since late April. No new deaths were announced, with 69 fatalities as of late last week. It was the third consecutive daily tally of less than 100,000, down from a high of 390,000 daily cases in mid-May, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. Despite having one of the worst health systems in the world, KCNA reported Thursday that more than 95 percent of cases had recovered. "There are many recoveries that have been reported, but there's limited information that we have from the country currently," Van Kerkhove said. North Korea has also rejected jabs offered by the WHO and not vaccinated any of its roughly 25 million people. Ryan stressed the importance of reining in the outbreak in the impoverished country. "We have offered assistance on multiple occasions. We have offered vaccines on three separate occasions. We continue to offer," he said. He said the UN health agency was working with China and South Korea in a bid to get aid in, hailing "a very positive attitude towards trying to deal with this collective problem." The WHO has repeatedly cautioned against allowing the virus that causes Covid-19 to spread unchecked, among other things since it then is more likely to mutate and produce new, potentially more dangerous variants. "We do not wish to see intense transmission of this disease in a mainly susceptible population, in a health system that has already weakened," Ryan said. "This is not this is not good for the people of (North Korea). This is not good for the region. This is not good for the world." 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.

Covid situation 'getting worse, not better' in North Korea, says WHO

The World Health Organisation warned on Wednesday that outbreak of endemic diseases such as monkeypox has become more frequent, and it is likely that monkeypox has been spreading undetected for a while now.

More than 550 cases of the disease have been confirmed in over 30 countries.&nbsp;

"Investigations are ongoing, but the sudden appearance of monkeypox in many countries at the same time suggests there may have been undetected transmission for some time," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.

As climate change contributes to rapidly changing weather conditions like drought, animals and humans are changing their behaviour, including food-seeking habits. As a result of this "ecologic fragility", pathogens that typically circulate in animals are increasingly jumping into humans, he said.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, that ability to amplify that disease and move it on within our communities is increasing - so both disease emergence and disease amplification factors have increased."

His commentary comes as cases of monkeypox continue to rise outside Africa, where the pathogen is endemic.

But monkeypox, which spreads through close contact, is much less severe, with symptoms typically including a high fever and a blistery chickenpox-like rash that clears up after a few weeks.

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So far, most cases have been reported among men who have sex with men, although experts stress there is no evidence that monkeypox is transmitted sexually.

"Anyone can be infected with monkeypox if they have close physical contact with someone else who is infected," Tedros said.

He urged everyone to help "fight stigma, which is not just wrong, it could also prevent infected individuals from seeking care, making it harder to stop transmission."

The WHO, he said, was also "urging affected countries to widen their surveillance" Vaccines developed for smallpox have also been found to be about 85 per cent effective in preventing monkeypox, but they are in short supply.

WHO is not proposing mass vaccination, but rather targeted use in some settings to protect health workers and people most at risk of infection.

[ With inputs from agencies] 
&nbsp;

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The World Health Organisation warned on Wednesday that outbreak of endemic diseases such as monkeypox has become more frequent, and it is likely that monkeypox has been spreading undetected for a while now.

The World Health Organisation warned on Wednesday that outbreak of endemic diseases such as monkeypox has become more frequent, and it is likely that monkeypox has been spreading undetected for a while now. More than 550 cases of the disease have been confirmed in over 30 countries. "Investigations are ongoing, but the sudden appearance of monkeypox in many countries at the same time suggests there may have been undetected transmission for some time," World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters. As climate change contributes to rapidly changing weather conditions like drought, animals and humans are changing their behaviour, including food-seeking habits. As a result of this "ecologic fragility", pathogens that typically circulate in animals are increasingly jumping into humans, he said. "Unfortunately, that ability to amplify that disease and move it on within our communities is increasing - so both disease emergence and disease amplification factors have increased." His commentary comes as cases of monkeypox continue to rise outside Africa, where the pathogen is endemic. But monkeypox, which spreads through close contact, is much less severe, with symptoms typically including a high fever and a blistery chickenpox-like rash that clears up after a few weeks. Join WHO R&D Blueprint consultation to discuss knowledge gaps and priority research questions for #monkeypox (MPX) research 🗓️ 2-3 June 2022 🕐 13h00 CEST Register: https://t.co/Pkem8cBewp — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) June 2, 2022 × So far, most cases have been reported among men who have sex with men, although experts stress there is no evidence that monkeypox is transmitted sexually. "Anyone can be infected with monkeypox if they have close physical contact with someone else who is infected," Tedros said. He urged everyone to help "fight stigma, which is not just wrong, it could also prevent infected individuals from seeking care, making it harder to stop transmission." The WHO, he said, was also "urging affected countries to widen their surveillance" Vaccines developed for smallpox have also been found to be about 85 per cent effective in preventing monkeypox, but they are in short supply. WHO is not proposing mass vaccination, but rather targeted use in some settings to protect health workers and people most at risk of infection. [ 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.

WHO warns monkeypox spreading ‘undetected’ for a while now

The World Health Organization (WHO) has cast doubts on North Korea`s claims of progress in the fight against a Covid-19 outbreak, saying it believes the situation is getting worse, not better, amid an absence of independent data.

Covid-19 situation in North Korea is 'getting worse, not better', says WHO

The 31st of May is observed as World No Tobacco Day. The annual event is held to raise awareness about the damage caused by consuming tobacco but the WHO this year has raised another alarm

WHO outlines negative impact of Tobacco industry

The&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;charged Tuesday.

The World Health Organization accused the industry of causing widespread deforestation, diverting badly needed land and water in poor countries away from food production, spewing out plastic and chemical waste as well as emitting millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide.&nbsp;

In its report released on World No&nbsp;Tobacco&nbsp;Day, the UN agency called for the&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry to be held to account and foot the bill for the cleanup.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-no-tobacco-day-2022-a-threat-to-environment-483731">World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment'</a>

The report, "Tobacco: poisoning our planet", looks at the impacts of the whole cycle, from the growth of plants to the manufacturing of&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;products, to consumption and waste.

While&nbsp;tobacco's health impacts have been well documented for decades -- with smoking still causing more than eight million deaths worldwide every year, the report focuses on its broader&nbsp;environmental&nbsp;consequences.

The findings are "quite&nbsp;devastating," Ruediger Krech,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;director of health promotion, told AFP, slamming the industry as "one of the biggest polluters that we know of."

The industry is responsible for the loss of some 600 million trees each year, while&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;growing and production uses 200,000 hectares of land and 22 billion tonnes of water annually, the report found.

It also emits around 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, it said.

4.5 trillion cigarette butts

In addition, "tobacco&nbsp;products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded," Krech said.

He pointed out that each one of the estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that end up in our oceans, rivers, sidewalks and beaches every year can pollute 100 litres of water.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements

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And up to a quarter of all&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;farmers contract so-called green&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;sickness, or poisoning from the nicotine they absorb through the skin.

Farmers&nbsp;who&nbsp;handle&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;leaves all day consume the equivalent of 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine a day, Krech said.

This is especially worrying for the many children involved in&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;farming.

"Just imagine a 12-year-old being exposed to 50 cigarettes a day," he said.

Most&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;is grown in poorer countries, where water and farmland are often in short supply, and where such crops are often grown at the expense of vital food production, the report said.

Tobacco&nbsp;farming also accounts for about five percent of global deforestation, and drives depletion of precious water resources.

Plastic pollution&nbsp;

At the same time the processing and transportation of&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions&nbsp;with the equivalent of one-fifth of the global airline industry's carbon footprint.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/switzerland-long-a-safe-haven-for-tobacco-ads-weighs-a-ban-452502">Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban</a>

In addition, products like cigarettes, smokeless&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;and e-cigarettes also contribute significantly to the global build-up of plastic pollution,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;warned.

Cigarette filters contain microplastics -- the tiny fragments that have been detected in every ocean and even at the bottom of the world's deepest trench&nbsp;and make up the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide, the report said.

And yet, despite&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry marketing,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;stressed that there is no evidence filters provide any proven health benefits over smoking non-filtered cigarettes.

The UN agency urged policy makers worldwide to treat cigarette filters as single-use plastics, and to consider banning them.

It also decried that taxpayers around the world had been covering the towering costs of cleaning up the&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;industry's mess.

Each year, China for instance dishes out around $2.6 billion and India around $766 million, while Brazil and Germany pay some $200 million each to clean up littered&nbsp;tobacco&nbsp;products, the report found.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ancient-north-americans-used-tobacco-over-12000-years-ago-says-study-420073">Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study</a>

WHO&nbsp;insisted that more countries should follow the so-called Polluter Pays Principle, as in France and Spain.

It is important, Krech said, that "the industry pay actually for the mess that they are creating."

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The tobacco industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the WHO charged Tuesday.

The tobacco industry is a far greater threat than many realise as it is one of the world's biggest polluters, from leaving mountains of waste to driving global warming, the WHO charged Tuesday. The World Health Organization accused the industry of causing widespread deforestation, diverting badly needed land and water in poor countries away from food production, spewing out plastic and chemical waste as well as emitting millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide. In its report released on World No Tobacco Day, the UN agency called for the tobacco industry to be held to account and foot the bill for the cleanup. Also read | World No Tobacco Day 2022: 'A threat to environment' The report, "Tobacco: poisoning our planet", looks at the impacts of the whole cycle, from the growth of plants to the manufacturing of tobacco products, to consumption and waste. While tobacco's health impacts have been well documented for decades -- with smoking still causing more than eight million deaths worldwide every year, the report focuses on its broader environmental consequences. The findings are "quite devastating," Ruediger Krech, WHO director of health promotion, told AFP, slamming the industry as "one of the biggest polluters that we know of." The industry is responsible for the loss of some 600 million trees each year, while tobacco growing and production uses 200,000 hectares of land and 22 billion tonnes of water annually, the report found. It also emits around 84 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, it said. 4.5 trillion cigarette butts In addition, "tobacco products are the most littered item on the planet, containing over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which leech into our environment when discarded," Krech said. He pointed out that each one of the estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts that end up in our oceans, rivers, sidewalks and beaches every year can pollute 100 litres of water. Watch | 56% of people in Switzerland vote to ban Tobacco advertisements And up to a quarter of all tobacco farmers contract so-called green tobacco sickness, or poisoning from the nicotine they absorb through the skin. Farmers who handle tobacco leaves all day consume the equivalent of 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine a day, Krech said. This is especially worrying for the many children involved in tobacco farming. "Just imagine a 12-year-old being exposed to 50 cigarettes a day," he said. Most tobacco is grown in poorer countries, where water and farmland are often in short supply, and where such crops are often grown at the expense of vital food production, the report said. Tobacco farming also accounts for about five percent of global deforestation, and drives depletion of precious water resources. Plastic pollution At the same time the processing and transportation of tobacco account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions with the equivalent of one-fifth of the global airline industry's carbon footprint. Also read | Switzerland, long a safe haven for tobacco ads, weighs a ban In addition, products like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes also contribute significantly to the global build-up of plastic pollution, WHO warned. Cigarette filters contain microplastics -- the tiny fragments that have been detected in every ocean and even at the bottom of the world's deepest trench and make up the second-highest form of plastic pollution worldwide, the report said. And yet, despite tobacco industry marketing, WHO stressed that there is no evidence filters provide any proven health benefits over smoking non-filtered cigarettes. The UN agency urged policy makers worldwide to treat cigarette filters as single-use plastics, and to consider banning them. It also decried that taxpayers around the world had been covering the towering costs of cleaning up the tobacco industry's mess. Each year, China for instance dishes out around $2.6 billion and India around $766 million, while Brazil and Germany pay some $200 million each to clean up littered tobacco products, the report found. Also read | Ancient North Americans used tobacco over 12,000 years ago, says study WHO insisted that more countries should follow the so-called Polluter Pays Principle, as in France and Spain. It is important, Krech said, that "the industry pay actually for the mess that they are creating." 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.

Big tobacco's environmental impact is 'devastating': WHO

As more and more countries report cases of Monkeypox, the World Health Organization is on a mission to ease the growing fears. The WHO now says it doesn't believe Monkeypox outside Africa will lead to a pandemic

WHO: Monkeypox moderate risk to overall public health

The world is observing no tobacco day. WHO has outlined the negative impact of the tobacco industry. It said that smoking kills 8 million people every year.

WHO outlines the negative impact of the tobacco industry on world no tobacco day

Russia has claimed that US has biolabs in Nigerian cities that have been responsible for spread of monkeypox. Sputnik News&nbsp;quoted Igor Kirillov, chief of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops. Kirilov has reportedly published a news on Friday (May 27) in which he has made the allegations.

Kirilov reportedly noted WHO's conclusion of monkeypox having spread from Nigeria and said that US biolabs were responsible for it. In his briefing, he claimed that US biolabs were present in cities Abuja, Zaria and Lagos.&nbsp;

Lagos is capital of Nigeria.

The briefing urged World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate the alleged US role in spreading monkeypox.

Need to act against monkeypox 'now': WHO

The WHO has said that if world acted quickly against monkeypox, it can be contained easily.

"We think that if we put in place the right measures now we probably can contain this easily," Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, told the U.N. agency's annual assembly.

Till now, about 300 cases have been found in around 20 countries.

"For us, we think that the key priority currently is trying to contain this transmission in non-endemic countries," Briand told a technical briefing for member states.

Needed measures included the early detection and isolation of cases and contact tracing, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russia has claimed that US has biolabs in Nigerian cities that have been responsible for spread of monkeypox. Sputnik News quoted Igor Kirillov, chief of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops.

Russia has claimed that US has biolabs in Nigerian cities that have been responsible for spread of monkeypox. Sputnik News quoted Igor Kirillov, chief of the Russian Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops. Kirilov has reportedly published a news on Friday (May 27) in which he has made the allegations. Kirilov reportedly noted WHO's conclusion of monkeypox having spread from Nigeria and said that US biolabs were responsible for it. In his briefing, he claimed that US biolabs were present in cities Abuja, Zaria and Lagos. Lagos is capital of Nigeria. The briefing urged World Health Organisation (WHO) to investigate the alleged US role in spreading monkeypox. Need to act against monkeypox 'now': WHO The WHO has said that if world acted quickly against monkeypox, it can be contained easily. "We think that if we put in place the right measures now we probably can contain this easily," Sylvie Briand, WHO director for Global Infectious Hazard Preparedness, told the U.N. agency's annual assembly. Till now, about 300 cases have been found in around 20 countries. "For us, we think that the key priority currently is trying to contain this transmission in non-endemic countries," Briand told a technical briefing for member states. Needed measures included the early detection and isolation of cases and contact tracing, she added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Monkeypox: Russia alleges US labs in Nigeria spreading the disease

Monkeypox outbreaks: A list of countries that recorded cases recently. Will it be like COVID-19 pandemic?

According to World Health Organization (WHO), over 200 confirmed cases of Monkeypox have been detected so far worldwide. WHO also urged countries to increase surveillance for the infectious disease.

Monkeypox: Over 200 cases detected worldwide, WHO asks countries to increase surveillance

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection, but 11 countries report confirmed cases of this infection. The disease is now raising alarm in Europe, Australia and US. WHO has called an emergency meeting as cases are increasing.

Monkeypox: Over 100 cases reported worldwide, WHO provides guidance to manage virus

Is Monkeypox contagious? Should we worry about Monkeypox outbreak? How to stay healthy in a post-pandemic world? For a better discussion on this, we're joined by Dr. Julian Tang, Dr. Angelique Coetzee, Prof. Manfred Green.

Panic vs Prevention: Should we worry about Monkeypox outbreak?

Monkey pox is a rare viral infection, but 11 countries report confirmed cases of this infection. The disease is now raising alarm in Europe, Australia and US. WHO has called an emergency meeting as cases are increasing.

Monkeypox Outbreak: 11 countries report confirmed cases

There is no evidence to prove monkeypox virus has mutated, said a senior official of the World Health Organization on Monday, as per media reports. &nbsp;

In a briefing, Rosamund Lewis, head of smallpox secretariat, which is part of the WHO Emergencies Programme, said that mutations are typically lower with this virus. &nbsp;

The genome sequencing of the cases will give more understanding about the current outbreak. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/identification-of-monkeypox-with-no-direct-travel-links-highly-unusual-who-481228" hreflang="en">Identification of monkeypox with no direct travel links highly unusual: WHO</a>

The disease, which is infectious, has been endemic in west and central Africa. &nbsp;

The experts have been looking for concerning mutations, which can make a virus more transmissible or severe. &nbsp;

In a recent outbreak in Europe and North America, more than 100 suspected and confirmed cases have not been severe, said Maria van Kerkhove, lead for the emerging diseases and zoonoses, and technical lead on Covid for the WHO. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Monkeypox spread: What we know so far

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"This is a containable situation, particularly in Europe. But we can't take our eye off the ball with what's happening in Africa, in countries where it's endemic," Maria told Reuters. &nbsp;

The outbreaks are atypical as they happen in nations where the virus does not regularly circulate, as per the WHO. Scientists are also looking to understand the origin of the cases and if anything has changed in the virus. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

There is no evidence to prove monkeypox virus has mutated, said a senior official of the World Health Organization on Monday, as per media reports. In a briefing, Rosamund Lewis, head of smallpox secretariat, which is part of the WHO Emergencies Programme, said that mutations are typically lower with this virus.

There is no evidence to prove monkeypox virus has mutated, said a senior official of the World Health Organization on Monday, as per media reports. In a briefing, Rosamund Lewis, head of smallpox secretariat, which is part of the WHO Emergencies Programme, said that mutations are typically lower with this virus. The genome sequencing of the cases will give more understanding about the current outbreak. Also Read: Identification of monkeypox with no direct travel links highly unusual: WHO The disease, which is infectious, has been endemic in west and central Africa. The experts have been looking for concerning mutations, which can make a virus more transmissible or severe. In a recent outbreak in Europe and North America, more than 100 suspected and confirmed cases have not been severe, said Maria van Kerkhove, lead for the emerging diseases and zoonoses, and technical lead on Covid for the WHO. Watch: Monkeypox spread: What we know so far × "This is a containable situation, particularly in Europe. But we can't take our eye off the ball with what's happening in Africa, in countries where it's endemic," Maria told Reuters. The outbreaks are atypical as they happen in nations where the virus does not regularly circulate, as per the WHO. Scientists are also looking to understand the origin of the cases and if anything has changed in the virus. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

No evidence found over mutation in monkeypox virus, says WHO's senior official

The World Health Organization's (WHO) members re-elected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director General by a strong majority for another five years, the president of the World Health Assembly said on Tuesday.

The vote by secret ballot, announced by Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh from Djibouti at a major annual meeting, was seen as a formality since Tedros was the only candidate running.

Ministers and delegates took turns to shake hands and hug Tedros, a former health minister from Ethiopia, who has steered the UN agency through a turbulent period dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The president had to use a gavel several times to interrupt the applause.&nbsp;

German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach tweeted on Tuesday: "Just re-elected as ⁦Director General of #WHO: @DrTedros⁩. 155/160 votes, spectacular result. Congratulations, fully deserved. Germany recently overtook the United States as the UN health agency's top donor.

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Today at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHA75?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHA75</a> Member States re-elected <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a> to serve a second five-year term as Director-General of the WHO. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's new mandate officially commences on 16 August 2022. 
 
👉 <a href="https://t.co/kNUVAeDFff">https://t.co/kNUVAeDFff</a> <a href="https://t.co/MK5jjA4YyQ">pic.twitter.com/MK5jjA4YyQ</a>
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO/status/1529112549307961344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The World Health Organization's (WHO) members re-elected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director General by a strong majority for another five years, the president of the World Health Assembly said on Tuesday.

The World Health Organization's (WHO) members re-elected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as Director General by a strong majority for another five years, the president of the World Health Assembly said on Tuesday. The vote by secret ballot, announced by Ahmed Robleh Abdilleh from Djibouti at a major annual meeting, was seen as a formality since Tedros was the only candidate running. Ministers and delegates took turns to shake hands and hug Tedros, a former health minister from Ethiopia, who has steered the UN agency through a turbulent period dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The president had to use a gavel several times to interrupt the applause. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach tweeted on Tuesday: "Just re-elected as ⁦Director General of #WHO: @DrTedros⁩. 155/160 votes, spectacular result. Congratulations, fully deserved. Germany recently overtook the United States as the UN health agency's top donor. Today at #WHA75 Member States re-elected @DrTedros to serve a second five-year term as Director-General of the WHO. Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus's new mandate officially commences on 16 August 2022. 👉 https://t.co/kNUVAeDFff pic.twitter.com/MK5jjA4YyQ — World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) May 24, 2022 ×

Tedros re-elected as head of World Health Organization

As several countries around the world register cases of monkeypox, the World Health Organization is going to organise an emergency meeting on Friday, media reports said. In the meeting, the recent outbreak of monkeypox will be discussed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The disease is a viral infection, which is common in west and central Africa. More than 100 cases seem to have been confirmed or suspected in Europe. &nbsp;

In Europe, the cases of this disease have come up in around nine countries, such as Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. &nbsp;Along with these, the United States, Canada and Australia are also witnessing such cases. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-cases-reported-in-germany-france-belgium-480769" hreflang="en">Monkeypox cases reported in Germany, France, Belgium, Canada</a>

The disease, which was first identified in monkeys, spreads through close contact. &nbsp;

The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) will discuss the issue. &nbsp;

Watch | Monkeypox Outbreak: 11 countries report confirmed cases

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Meanwhile, India’s Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has told the National Centre for Disease Control and the ICMR to keep a keen watch on the scenario, the official sources said on Friday. &nbsp;

The health officers at airport and port have been told to be vigilant, they said. &nbsp;

"They have been instructed that any sick passenger with a travel history to Monkeypox-affected countries be isolated and samples sent to the BSL4 facility of the National Institute of Virology in Pune for an investigation," an official source said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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As several countries around the world register cases of monkeypox, the World Health Organization is going to organise an emergency meeting on Friday, media reports said.

As several countries around the world register cases of monkeypox, the World Health Organization is going to organise an emergency meeting on Friday, media reports said. In the meeting, the recent outbreak of monkeypox will be discussed. The disease is a viral infection, which is common in west and central Africa. More than 100 cases seem to have been confirmed or suspected in Europe. In Europe, the cases of this disease have come up in around nine countries, such as Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Along with these, the United States, Canada and Australia are also witnessing such cases. Also Read: Monkeypox cases reported in Germany, France, Belgium, Canada The disease, which was first identified in monkeys, spreads through close contact. The Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Infectious Hazards with Pandemic and Epidemic Potential (STAG-IH) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) will discuss the issue. Watch | Monkeypox Outbreak: 11 countries report confirmed cases × Meanwhile, India’s Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has told the National Centre for Disease Control and the ICMR to keep a keen watch on the scenario, the official sources said on Friday. The health officers at airport and port have been told to be vigilant, they said. "They have been instructed that any sick passenger with a travel history to Monkeypox-affected countries be isolated and samples sent to the BSL4 facility of the National Institute of Virology in Pune for an investigation," an official source said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

WHO to hold emergency meeting over rise in number of monkeypox cases   

A senior World Health Organization official said on Tuesday that high levels of transmission of the coronavirus among unvaccinated people, such as in&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea, creates a higher risk of new variants.

The isolated country, a WHO member, is grappling with its first acknowledged COVID-19 outbreak, fuelling concerns over a major crisis due to a lack of vaccines and medical infrastructure.

"Certainly it's worrying if countries ... are not using the tools that are now available," said WHO emergencies director Mike Ryan in response to a question about the outbreak in&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-outbreak-turns-messier-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-slams-immature-response-479974">As Covid outbreak turns messier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slams 'immature' response</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-covid-outbreak-turns-messier-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-slams-immature-response-479974"> &nbsp;</a>

"WHO has repeatedly said that where you have unchecked transmission, there is always a higher risk of new variants emerging," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-orders-north-koreas-military-to-stabilise-medicine-supply-as-covid-19-outbreak-surges-479276">Kim Jong Un orders North Korea's military to 'stabilise' medicine supply as COVID-19 outbreak surges</a>

At the same press briefing, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said he was "deeply concerned" about the spreading virus among an unvaccinated population with many underlying conditions.

Also watch |&nbsp;North Korea covid-19 outbreak: UN voices concern, offers to provide assistance and jobs&nbsp;

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The UN health agency has previously said Pyongyang has yet to inform it officially of the outbreak in an apparent violation of the country's legal obligations under the WHO's International Health Regulations.

Asked about how the WHO would respond, Ryan said that the body was ready to help but had no power to interfere in a sovereign country.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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&nbsp;

A senior World Health Organization official said on Tuesday that high levels of transmission of the coronavirus among unvaccinated people, such as in North Korea, creates a higher risk of new variants.

A senior World Health Organization official said on Tuesday that high levels of transmission of the coronavirus among unvaccinated people, such as in North Korea, creates a higher risk of new variants. The isolated country, a WHO member, is grappling with its first acknowledged COVID-19 outbreak, fuelling concerns over a major crisis due to a lack of vaccines and medical infrastructure. "Certainly it's worrying if countries ... are not using the tools that are now available," said WHO emergencies director Mike Ryan in response to a question about the outbreak in North Korea. Also read | As Covid outbreak turns messier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un slams 'immature' response "WHO has repeatedly said that where you have unchecked transmission, there is always a higher risk of new variants emerging," he said. Also read | Kim Jong Un orders North Korea's military to 'stabilise' medicine supply as COVID-19 outbreak surges At the same press briefing, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also said he was "deeply concerned" about the spreading virus among an unvaccinated population with many underlying conditions. Also watch | North Korea covid-19 outbreak: UN voices concern, offers to provide assistance and jobs The UN health agency has previously said Pyongyang has yet to inform it officially of the outbreak in an apparent violation of the country's legal obligations under the WHO's International Health Regulations. Asked about how the WHO would respond, Ryan said that the body was ready to help but had no power to interfere in a sovereign country. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

N Korea Covid outbreak could lead to new coronavirus variants: WHO

More than Covid-19, the woes around China’s zero-Covid policy continues to make news in the country. Chinese leadership is trying everything it can to keep a positive narrative of its draconian policy, amid WHO Chief calling it ‘unsustainable’ and reports of President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm. This week, in Chinese Vignettes, we’ll cover China’s intensifying lockdown and other top stories making news in the country.&nbsp;

CHINA OVER THE WEEK&nbsp;

Intensifying lockdown in China&nbsp;

For weeks now, residents in more than 40 cities and provinces continue to be under lockdown. And this lockdown is only intensifying. While the Chinese leadership continues to deny claims of a lockdown in Beijing, the residents rush to buy food over lockdown fears.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It is unnecessary to hoard food… residents don’t need to worry, the city’s operations won’t be affected,” said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government at a press briefing on Thursday.&nbsp;

Even pictures off empty streets portray the contrary narrative.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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According to a Bloomberg report, virtual fences have cut off cab access to Covid-hit districts. This is after reports of city’s parks, gyms and movie theaters being shut to halt the spread of the virus. Beijing’s eastern Chaoyang district, home to embassies and multinationals, instructed companies “providing services other than supporting residents’ livelihoods” to be shut until further notice, and new rounds of mass testing were ordered in the capital city.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The South China Morning Post reported that some residents have endured more than 20 days of lockdown Beijing’s most populous district of Chaoyang.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China’s financial hub Shanghai, earlier this week, reportedly once again tightened its Covid-19 restrictions. The Wall Street Journal reported a new lockdown rule, “if one person tests positive, the whole building isolates.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shanghai officials also announced that it aims to bring the outbreak under control by May 20 achieving its “societal zero-Covid.” From May 16, the deputy mayor of Shanghai announced that the city would begin to re-open convenience stores and pharmacies, gradually reducing other restrictions in days to come and the return to ‘more normal’ life from June 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shanghai-to-resume-normal-life-as-tough-covid-19-lockdown-set-to-end-on-june-1-479359">Also read |&nbsp;Shanghai to resume normal life as tough COVID-19 lockdown set to end on June 1</a>

China slams WHO Chief Dr. Tedros&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) called China’s zero-Covid policy ‘not sustainable.’&nbsp;

“We don’t think that it is sustainable considering the behavior of the virus and what&nbsp;we now anticipate in the future,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have discussed this issue with Chinese experts. And we indicated that the approach will not be sustainable … I think a shift would be very important,”&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Censors quickly scrubbed these comments off the Chinese internet, removing Weibo post on the United Nations account, reported the South China Morning Post.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Following which any search for the post was deemed to be illegal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese government didn’t take Dr. Tedros’ criticism well, and hit out at WHO chief, calling his remarks “irresponsible.”&nbsp;

“We hope the relevant individual will make objective and reasonable views of China’s epidemic protocol and policy and try to get a better understanding of the facts and refrain from making irresponsible remarks,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing in Beijing.&nbsp;

Hu Xijing, former editor-in-chief of Global Times, a Chinese government mouthpiece, wrote on his Weibo account that the WHO chief was jeopardising China’s fight against Covid.&nbsp;

&nbsp;“The WHO should consider what impact it has on China when they comment on China now. They should not jeopardise China’s effort to fight the pandemic from outside.” he wrote.&nbsp;

The same day, a study by&nbsp;Fudan University in Shanghai and Indiana University in the United States, and the US medical research agency National Institutes of Health&nbsp;said China could see more than 1.5 million deaths without Covid-19 controls.&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘Such an outbreak is projected to cause 112 million symptomatic cases, or 80 cases per 1,000 people, with 2.7 million of them requiring treatment in intensive care,’ reported the South China Morning Post.&nbsp;

Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen arrested under security law&nbsp;

This week, the news of&nbsp;90-year-old cardinal&nbsp;Joseph Zen’s arrest sent shockwaves the community. Hong Kong’s veteran Catholic church leader along with 3 others was detained by the police on Wednesday for allegedly colluding with foreign forces.&nbsp;

Zen, Former opposition lawmaker Margaret Ng, singer Denise Ho and&nbsp;academic Hui Po-keung were trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up in 2019 to provide assistance to those involved in anti-government protests.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Joseph Zen, a retired bishop has been a long-time advocate for Hong Kong’s democracy movement and religious freedom in mainland China.&nbsp;

CHINA IN WORLD REPORTAGE&nbsp;

Is President Xi suffering from a cerebral aneurysm?&nbsp;

Reports of Chinese President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm resurfaced this week. The media reports said that due to this medical problem, he had to be hospitalized at the end of 2021, and Xi preferred to be treated with traditional Chinese medicines rather than undergoing a surgery.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The reports when on to outline various incidents to back their claim. According to the reports, he had a noticeable limp in his gait during his visit to Italy in March 2019. In Shenzhen in October 2020, his delayed appearance, slow speech and coughing spree during an address to the public. And especially the fact that he avoided meeting foreign leaders since the outbreak of Covid-19 till the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February.&nbsp;

CHINESE SURVEILLANCE SHIP SPOTTED OFF THE COAST OF AUSTRALIA&nbsp;

This week, according to the Australian government, a Chinese surveillance ship was spotted off the coast of Australia. The Department of Defence alleged that the&nbsp;Dongdiao Class Auxiliary Intelligence ship named Haiwangxing&nbsp;was currently headed east along the country’s north-west coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Australia’s Defence Minister Peter Dutton said on Friday that the ship had been tracking the western coastline for the past week.&nbsp;

“Its intent, of course, is to collect intelligence right along the coastline. It has been in close proximity to military and intelligence installations on the west coast of Australia,” Dutton was quoted as saying by the ABC.&nbsp;

“I think people understand the difficulty, the reality, of the Indo-Pacific at the moment, the acts of aggression from the Chinese leadership and from the Chinese government,”&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

He further went on to point out that other Chinese vessels had been located off Australian waters in the past year during military exercises.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dutton’s statement comes a week before the country is set to hold its federal elections.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Countering these allegations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that his country&nbsp;“always abides by international law and international practice.”&nbsp;

When asked about Dutton’s comments he said, “The relevant Australian politician should look at the situation in an objective manner instead of making sensational remarks.”&nbsp;

More than Covid-19, the woes around China’s zero-Covid policy continues to make news in the country. Chinese leadership is trying everything it can to keep a positive narrative of its draconian policy, amid WHO Chief calling it ‘unsustainable’ and reports of President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm.

More than Covid-19, the woes around China’s zero-Covid policy continues to make news in the country. Chinese leadership is trying everything it can to keep a positive narrative of its draconian policy, amid WHO Chief calling it ‘unsustainable’ and reports of President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm. This week, in Chinese Vignettes, we’ll cover China’s intensifying lockdown and other top stories making news in the country. CHINA OVER THE WEEK Intensifying lockdown in China For weeks now, residents in more than 40 cities and provinces continue to be under lockdown. And this lockdown is only intensifying. While the Chinese leadership continues to deny claims of a lockdown in Beijing, the residents rush to buy food over lockdown fears. “It is unnecessary to hoard food… residents don’t need to worry, the city’s operations won’t be affected,” said Xu Hejian, a spokesperson for the Beijing municipal government at a press briefing on Thursday. Even pictures off empty streets portray the contrary narrative. According to a Bloomberg report, virtual fences have cut off cab access to Covid-hit districts. This is after reports of city’s parks, gyms and movie theaters being shut to halt the spread of the virus. Beijing’s eastern Chaoyang district, home to embassies and multinationals, instructed companies “providing services other than supporting residents’ livelihoods” to be shut until further notice, and new rounds of mass testing were ordered in the capital city. The South China Morning Post reported that some residents have endured more than 20 days of lockdown Beijing’s most populous district of Chaoyang. Meanwhile, China’s financial hub Shanghai, earlier this week, reportedly once again tightened its Covid-19 restrictions. The Wall Street Journal reported a new lockdown rule, “if one person tests positive, the whole building isolates.” Shanghai officials also announced that it aims to bring the outbreak under control by May 20 achieving its “societal zero-Covid.” From May 16, the deputy mayor of Shanghai announced that the city would begin to re-open convenience stores and pharmacies, gradually reducing other restrictions in days to come and the return to ‘more normal’ life from June 1. Also read | Shanghai to resume normal life as tough COVID-19 lockdown set to end on June 1 China slams WHO Chief Dr. Tedros On Tuesday, the Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO) called China’s zero-Covid policy ‘not sustainable.’ “We don’t think that it is sustainable considering the behavior of the virus and what we now anticipate in the future,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus “We have discussed this issue with Chinese experts. And we indicated that the approach will not be sustainable … I think a shift would be very important,” he added. Censors quickly scrubbed these comments off the Chinese internet, removing Weibo post on the United Nations account, reported the South China Morning Post. Following which any search for the post was deemed to be illegal. The Chinese government didn’t take Dr. Tedros’ criticism well, and hit out at WHO chief, calling his remarks “irresponsible.” “We hope the relevant individual will make objective and reasonable views of China’s epidemic protocol and policy and try to get a better understanding of the facts and refrain from making irresponsible remarks,” foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing in Beijing. Hu Xijing, former editor-in-chief of Global Times, a Chinese government mouthpiece, wrote on his Weibo account that the WHO chief was jeopardising China’s fight against Covid. “The WHO should consider what impact it has on China when they comment on China now. They should not jeopardise China’s effort to fight the pandemic from outside.” he wrote. The same day, a study by Fudan University in Shanghai and Indiana University in the United States, and the US medical research agency National Institutes of Health said China could see more than 1.5 million deaths without Covid-19 controls. ‘Such an outbreak is projected to cause 112 million symptomatic cases, or 80 cases per 1,000 people, with 2.7 million of them requiring treatment in intensive care,’ reported the South China Morning Post. Hong Kong cardinal Joseph Zen arrested under security law This week, the news of 90-year-old cardinal Joseph Zen’s arrest sent shockwaves the community. Hong Kong’s veteran Catholic church leader along with 3 others was detained by the police on Wednesday for allegedly colluding with foreign forces. Zen, Former opposition lawmaker Margaret Ng, singer Denise Ho and academic Hui Po-keung were trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was set up in 2019 to provide assistance to those involved in anti-government protests. Joseph Zen, a retired bishop has been a long-time advocate for Hong Kong’s democracy movement and religious freedom in mainland China. CHINA IN WORLD REPORTAGE Is President Xi suffering from a cerebral aneurysm? Reports of Chinese President Xi Jinping suffering from a cerebral aneurysm resurfaced this week. The media reports said that due to this medical problem, he had to be hospitalized at the end of 2021, and Xi preferred to be treated with traditional Chinese medicines rather than undergoing a surgery. The reports when on to outline various incidents to back their claim. According to the reports, he had a noticeable limp in his gait during his visit to Italy in March 2019. In Shenzhen in October 2020, his delayed appearance, slow speech and coughing spree during an address to the public. And especially the fact that he avoided meeting foreign leaders since the outbreak of Covid-19 till the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics in February. CHINESE SURVEILLANCE SHIP SPOTTED OFF THE COAST OF AUSTRALIA This week, according to the Australian government, a Chinese surveillance ship was spotted off the coast of Australia. The Department of Defence alleged that the Dongdiao Class Auxiliary Intelligence ship named Haiwangxing was currently headed east along the country’s north-west coast. Australia’s Defence Minister Peter Dutton said on Friday that the ship had been tracking the western coastline for the past week. “Its intent, of course, is to collect intelligence right along the coastline. It has been in close proximity to military and intelligence installations on the west coast of Australia,” Dutton was quoted as saying by the ABC. “I think people understand the difficulty, the reality, of the Indo-Pacific at the moment, the acts of aggression from the Chinese leadership and from the Chinese government,” he added. He further went on to point out that other Chinese vessels had been located off Australian waters in the past year during military exercises. Dutton’s statement comes a week before the country is set to hold its federal elections. Countering these allegations, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said that his country “always abides by international law and international practice.” When asked about Dutton’s comments he said, “The relevant Australian politician should look at the situation in an objective manner instead of making sensational remarks.”

Chinese vignettes | Beijing censors Xi’s friend Tedros after he calls China’s Zero-Covid not ‘sustainable’

Xi Jinping's one-time ally Tedros Adhanom has criticised his zero-covid policy as 'unsustainable'. The strict lockdowns have put 40% of China's GDP at risk. Reports say Xi is struggling with a life-threatening illness. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Has Xi Jinping lost the plot?

Shops and businesses shut, public places sealed off, transport services closed, residents locked inside their homes and a battered economy. China's two largest cities Beijing and Shanghai are back to December 2020 with COVID cases rising and authorities struggling to contain the infection spread.

China’s censors target WHO Chief after comments criticizing its Zero covid policy

The Chinese foriegn ministry denounced the World Health Organization (WHO) chief for making “irresponsible” remarks after he said the country’s zero-Covid policies were unsustainable.

China hits out at WHO chief’s ‘irresponsible’ criticism of zero-Covid policy

Cities in China are reeling under strict lockdown measures as a result of the government's zero covid-19 policy. Now the head of the WHO has said that china's zero covid policy is not sustainable, given the character of the virus.

WHO slams China's zero covid-19 policy, says it affects 'human rights'

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