Since Omicron BA.2 is producing an unprecedented number of COVID infections around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there are certain "misinformations" circulating about the virus that are causing widespread misunderstanding.

The warning comes after global new infections increased by 8% last week compared to the prior week.&nbsp;

WHO's COVID-19 Technical Lead Maria Van Kerkhove pointed out earlier this week that there is a lot of misinformation out there.

"We have huge amounts of misinformation that's out there. The misinformation that Omicron is mild. Misinformation that the pandemic is over. Misinformation that this is the last variant that we will have to deal with. This is really causing a lot of confusion," Kerkhove said. 
 
Meanwhile, noting that the virus has not ‘settled down’ into a purely seasonal or predictable pattern yet, WHO's Mike Ryan, "it’s moving around easily and in the context of waning immunity and vaccines not acting perfectly against infection, the virus will likely continue to echo around the world."

"This is how viruses work. They establish themselves in a community, and they will move quickly to the next community that’s unprotected."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
COVID-19 vaccines remain incredibly effective at preventing severe disease and death, including against Omicron <a href="https://twitter.com/mvankerkhove?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mvankerkhove</a> <a href="https://t.co/tXs8LU5Esz">pic.twitter.com/tXs8LU5Esz</a>
— Cleavon MD 💉 💉 💉 (@Cleavon_MD) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cleavon_MD/status/1504967148178972678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

COVID infection increased by 8%

According to WHO's weekly report on the pandemic, there were more over 11 million new COVID-19 infections and 43,000 new deaths last week, an increase of roughly 8%.

For the previous three weeks, the number of COVID-19 deaths has been decreasing globally.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Since Omicron BA.2 is producing an unprecedented number of COVID infections around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there are certain "misinformations" circulating about the virus that are causing widespread misunderstanding.

Since Omicron BA.2 is producing an unprecedented number of COVID infections around the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there are certain "misinformations" circulating about the virus that are causing widespread misunderstanding. The warning comes after global new infections increased by 8% last week compared to the prior week. WHO's COVID-19 Technical Lead Maria Van Kerkhove pointed out earlier this week that there is a lot of misinformation out there. "We have huge amounts of misinformation that's out there. The misinformation that Omicron is mild. Misinformation that the pandemic is over. Misinformation that this is the last variant that we will have to deal with. This is really causing a lot of confusion," Kerkhove said. Meanwhile, noting that the virus has not ‘settled down’ into a purely seasonal or predictable pattern yet, WHO's Mike Ryan, "it’s moving around easily and in the context of waning immunity and vaccines not acting perfectly against infection, the virus will likely continue to echo around the world." "This is how viruses work. They establish themselves in a community, and they will move quickly to the next community that’s unprotected." COVID-19 vaccines remain incredibly effective at preventing severe disease and death, including against Omicron @mvankerkhove pic.twitter.com/tXs8LU5Esz — Cleavon MD 💉 💉 💉 (@Cleavon_MD) March 18, 2022 × COVID infection increased by 8% According to WHO's weekly report on the pandemic, there were more over 11 million new COVID-19 infections and 43,000 new deaths last week, an increase of roughly 8%. For the previous three weeks, the number of COVID-19 deaths has been decreasing globally. (With inputs from agencies)

Wrong information: WHO lists 3 misleading facts leading to Omicron surge

Figures showing a&nbsp;global&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;could herald a much bigger problem as some countries also report a drop in testing rates, the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;said on Tuesday, warning nations to remain vigilant against the virus.

After more than a month of decline,&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;cases&nbsp;started to increase around the world last week, the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;said, with lockdowns in Asia and China's Jilin province battling to contain an outbreak.

A combination of factors was causing the increases, including the highly transmissible Omicron variant and its BA.2 sublineage, and the lifting of public health and social measures, the&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-scraps-covid-19-quarantine-for-international-travellers-462920">&nbsp;Vietnam scraps COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers</a>

"These increase are occurring despite reductions in testing in some countries, which means the&nbsp;cases&nbsp;we're seeing are just the tip of the iceberg,"&nbsp;WHO's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters.

Low vaccination rates in some countries, driven partly by a "huge amount of misinformation" also explained the&nbsp;rise,&nbsp;WHO&nbsp;officials said.

New infections jumped by 8 per cent&nbsp;globally compared to the previous week, with 11 million new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and just over 43,000 new deaths reported from March 7-13. It is the first&nbsp;rise&nbsp;since the end of January.

The biggest jump was in the&nbsp;WHO's Western Pacific region, which includes South Korea and China, where&nbsp;cases&nbsp;rose by 25 per cent&nbsp;and deaths by 27 per cent.

Africa also saw a 12 per cent rise&nbsp;in new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;and 14 per cent&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in deaths, and Europe a 2 per cent&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;but no jump in deaths. Other regions reported declining&nbsp;cases, including the eastern Mediterranean region, although this area saw a 38 per cent&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in deaths linked to a previous spike in infections.

A number of experts have raised concerns that Europe faces another coronavirus wave, with case rising since the beginning of March in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

The&nbsp;WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove said at the briefing that BA.2 appears to be the most transmissible variant so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-protests-against-covid-measures-rock-europe-australia-430905">In Pics: Protests against Covid measures rock Europe, Australia</a>

However, there are no signs that it causes more severe disease, and no evidence that any other new variants are driving the&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in&nbsp;cases.

The picture in Europe is also not universal. Denmark, for example, saw a brief peak in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in the first half of February, driven by BA.2, which quickly subsided.

But experts have begun to warn that the United States could soon see a similar wave to that seen in Europe, potentially driven by BA.2, the lifting of restrictions and potential waning immunity from vaccines given several months ago.

"I agree with the easing of restrictions, because you can't think of it as an emergency after two years," said Antonella Viola, professor of immunology at Italy's University of Padua.

"We just have to avoid thinking that&nbsp;COVID&nbsp;is no longer there. And therefore maintain the strictly necessary measures, which are essentially the continuous monitoring and tracking of&nbsp;cases, and the maintenance of the obligation to wear a mask in closed or very crowded places."

Watch |&nbsp;Report: Combo strain 'Deltacron' detected in Israel

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-combo-strain-deltacron-detected-in-israel-463017/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Figures showing a global rise in COVID-19 cases could herald a much bigger problem as some countries also report a drop in testing rates, the WHO said on Tuesday, warning nations to remain vigilant against the virus.

Figures showing a global rise in COVID-19 cases could herald a much bigger problem as some countries also report a drop in testing rates, the WHO said on Tuesday, warning nations to remain vigilant against the virus. After more than a month of decline, COVID cases started to increase around the world last week, the WHO said, with lockdowns in Asia and China's Jilin province battling to contain an outbreak. A combination of factors was causing the increases, including the highly transmissible Omicron variant and its BA.2 sublineage, and the lifting of public health and social measures, the WHO said. Also read | Vietnam scraps COVID-19 quarantine for international travellers "These increase are occurring despite reductions in testing in some countries, which means the cases we're seeing are just the tip of the iceberg," WHO's head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters. Low vaccination rates in some countries, driven partly by a "huge amount of misinformation" also explained the rise, WHO officials said. New infections jumped by 8 per cent globally compared to the previous week, with 11 million new cases and just over 43,000 new deaths reported from March 7-13. It is the first rise since the end of January. The biggest jump was in the WHO's Western Pacific region, which includes South Korea and China, where cases rose by 25 per cent and deaths by 27 per cent. Africa also saw a 12 per cent rise in new cases and 14 per cent rise in deaths, and Europe a 2 per cent rise in cases but no jump in deaths. Other regions reported declining cases, including the eastern Mediterranean region, although this area saw a 38 per cent rise in deaths linked to a previous spike in infections. A number of experts have raised concerns that Europe faces another coronavirus wave, with case rising since the beginning of March in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The WHO's Maria Van Kerkhove said at the briefing that BA.2 appears to be the most transmissible variant so far. Also read | In Pics: Protests against Covid measures rock Europe, Australia However, there are no signs that it causes more severe disease, and no evidence that any other new variants are driving the rise in cases. The picture in Europe is also not universal. Denmark, for example, saw a brief peak in cases in the first half of February, driven by BA.2, which quickly subsided. But experts have begun to warn that the United States could soon see a similar wave to that seen in Europe, potentially driven by BA.2, the lifting of restrictions and potential waning immunity from vaccines given several months ago. "I agree with the easing of restrictions, because you can't think of it as an emergency after two years," said Antonella Viola, professor of immunology at Italy's University of Padua. "We just have to avoid thinking that COVID is no longer there. And therefore maintain the strictly necessary measures, which are essentially the continuous monitoring and tracking of cases, and the maintenance of the obligation to wear a mask in closed or very crowded places." Watch | Report: Combo strain 'Deltacron' detected in Israel

WHO says global rise in COVID-19 cases is 'tip of the iceberg'

The World Health Organisation voiced alarm that registered COVID-19 cases are once again rising globally, despite testing levels having dropped significantly.

Omicron variant still spreading at a very intense level, warns WHO

The public health experts at World Health Organisation (WHO) have begun to discuss how and when to call for an end to the Covid crisis. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This comes as the world is witnessing a surge in the number of coronavirus cases in different parts of the world after its emergence two years ago. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Geneva-based WHO has, however, said it is not currently considering any such declaration, according to a report in Bloomberg news agency. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-why-some-people-develop-life-threatening-covid-19-while-others-get-no-symptoms-at-all-460420" hreflang="en">This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all</a>

The deliberations at the agency look to come up with the conditions, which would eventually signal&nbsp;that coronavirus-induced public health emergency is over.&nbsp;

The emergency was declared on January 30, 2020. &nbsp;

In an email, the agency, said, “The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Covid&nbsp;is looking at the criteria needed to declare the public health emergency of international concern as terminated. As of now, we are not there yet.” &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-study-claims-hamsters-caused-covid-delta-outbreak-in-city-in-january-461616" hreflang="en">Hong Kong study claims hamsters caused Covid Delta outbreak in city in January</a>

This kind of a declaration would not just be a meaningful symbolic step, but would also add momentum to the rollback of many pandemic-era restrictions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The researchers have also warned even if Covid cases fall to lower levels, the disease may still cause thousands of deaths annually.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The public health experts at World Health Organisation (WHO) have begun to discuss how and when to call for an end to the Covid crisis. This comes as the world is witnessing a surge in the number of coronavirus cases in different parts of the world after its emergence two years ago.

The public health experts at World Health Organisation (WHO) have begun to discuss how and when to call for an end to the Covid crisis. This comes as the world is witnessing a surge in the number of coronavirus cases in different parts of the world after its emergence two years ago. The Geneva-based WHO has, however, said it is not currently considering any such declaration, according to a report in Bloomberg news agency. Also Read: This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all The deliberations at the agency look to come up with the conditions, which would eventually signal that coronavirus-induced public health emergency is over. The emergency was declared on January 30, 2020. In an email, the agency, said, “The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Covid is looking at the criteria needed to declare the public health emergency of international concern as terminated. As of now, we are not there yet.” Also Read: Hong Kong study claims hamsters caused Covid Delta outbreak in city in January This kind of a declaration would not just be a meaningful symbolic step, but would also add momentum to the rollback of many pandemic-era restrictions. The researchers have also warned even if Covid cases fall to lower levels, the disease may still cause thousands of deaths annually. (With inputs from agencies)

Is global Covid crisis ending? WHO discusses when and how to make the call

The World Health Organization advised Ukraine to destroy high-threat pathogens housed in the country's public health laboratories to prevent "any potential spills" that would spread disease among the population, the agency told Reuters on Thursday.

Biosecurity experts say Russia's movement of troops into Ukraine and bombardment of its cities has raised the risk of an escape of disease-causing pathogens, should any of those facilities be damaged.

Like many other countries, Ukraine has public health laboratories researching how to mitigate the threats of dangerous diseases affecting both animals and humans including, most recently, COVID-19. Its labs have received support from the United States, the European Union and the WHO.

In response to questions from Reuters about its work with Ukraine ahead of and during Russia's invasion, the WHO said in an email that it has collaborated with Ukrainian public health labs for several years to promote security practices that help prevent "accidental or deliberate release of pathogens."

"As part of this work, WHO has strongly recommended to the Ministry of Health in Ukraine and other responsible bodies to destroy high-threat pathogens to prevent any potential spills," the WHO, a United Nations agency, said.

The WHO would not say when it had made the recommendation nor did it provide specifics about the kinds of pathogens or toxins housed in Ukraine's laboratories. The agency also did not answer questions about whether its recommendations were followed.

Ukrainian officials in Kyiv and at their embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment.

Ukraine's laboratory capabilities are at the centre of a growing information war since Russia began moving troops into Ukraine two weeks ago.

On Wednesday, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova repeated a longstanding claim that the United States operates a biowarfare lab in Ukraine, an accusation that has been repeatedly denied by Washington and Kyiv.

Zakharova said that documents unearthed by Russian forces in Ukraine showed "an emergency attempt to erase evidence of military biological programmes" by destroying lab samples.

In response, a Ukrainian presidential spokesperson said: "Ukraine strictly denies any such allegation." U.S. government spokespeople also strongly denied Zakharova's accusations, saying that Russia may use its claims as a pretext to deploy its own chemical or biological weapons.

The WHO statement made no reference to biowarfare. The agency said it encourages all parties to cooperate in "the safe and secure disposal of any pathogens they come across, and to reach out for technical assistance as needed." It offered to help wherever possible with technical guidance and coordination.

The United Nations Security Council will convene on Friday at Russia's request, diplomats said, to discuss Moscow's claims, presented without evidence, of U.S. biological activities in Ukraine.

The World Health Organization advised Ukraine to destroy high-threat pathogens housed in the country's public health laboratories to prevent "any potential spills" that would spread disease among the population, the agency told Reuters on Thursday.

The World Health Organization advised Ukraine to destroy high-threat pathogens housed in the country's public health laboratories to prevent "any potential spills" that would spread disease among the population, the agency told Reuters on Thursday. Biosecurity experts say Russia's movement of troops into Ukraine and bombardment of its cities has raised the risk of an escape of disease-causing pathogens, should any of those facilities be damaged. Like many other countries, Ukraine has public health laboratories researching how to mitigate the threats of dangerous diseases affecting both animals and humans including, most recently, COVID-19. Its labs have received support from the United States, the European Union and the WHO. In response to questions from Reuters about its work with Ukraine ahead of and during Russia's invasion, the WHO said in an email that it has collaborated with Ukrainian public health labs for several years to promote security practices that help prevent "accidental or deliberate release of pathogens." "As part of this work, WHO has strongly recommended to the Ministry of Health in Ukraine and other responsible bodies to destroy high-threat pathogens to prevent any potential spills," the WHO, a United Nations agency, said. The WHO would not say when it had made the recommendation nor did it provide specifics about the kinds of pathogens or toxins housed in Ukraine's laboratories. The agency also did not answer questions about whether its recommendations were followed. Ukrainian officials in Kyiv and at their embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. Ukraine's laboratory capabilities are at the centre of a growing information war since Russia began moving troops into Ukraine two weeks ago. On Wednesday, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova repeated a longstanding claim that the United States operates a biowarfare lab in Ukraine, an accusation that has been repeatedly denied by Washington and Kyiv. Zakharova said that documents unearthed by Russian forces in Ukraine showed "an emergency attempt to erase evidence of military biological programmes" by destroying lab samples. In response, a Ukrainian presidential spokesperson said: "Ukraine strictly denies any such allegation." U.S. government spokespeople also strongly denied Zakharova's accusations, saying that Russia may use its claims as a pretext to deploy its own chemical or biological weapons. The WHO statement made no reference to biowarfare. The agency said it encourages all parties to cooperate in "the safe and secure disposal of any pathogens they come across, and to reach out for technical assistance as needed." It offered to help wherever possible with technical guidance and coordination. The United Nations Security Council will convene on Friday at Russia's request, diplomats said, to discuss Moscow's claims, presented without evidence, of U.S. biological activities in Ukraine.

Exclusive: WHO says it advised Ukraine to destroy pathogens in health labs to prevent disease spread

World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday warned that the pandemic is 'far from over.'

He further said that even after two years, the virus is still evolving and even surging in some parts of the world. "Two years later, more than six million people have died," Tedros told a press conference.

"Although reported cases and deaths are declining globally, and several countries have lifted restrictions, the pandemic is far from over -- and it will not be over anywhere until it's over everywhere." 
444 million cases have been registered so far.&nbsp;

"The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed," Tedros said.

While remote Pacific islands are struggling with their first-ever Covid outbreak, several European nations have removed all Covid-related restrictions.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pandemic-enters-third-year-covid-related-deaths-to-soon-reach-6-million-459928">Also read |&nbsp;As pandemic enters third year, Covid related deaths to soon reach 6 million</a>

Top US officials, on the other hand, recently laid out a plan to move the nation to a new stage of the pandemic. The new plan focuses on four goals, to help the nation move forward safely. This includes protection against COVID, preparing for new variants, preventing shutdowns and continuing to vaccinate the world.&nbsp;

Hong Kong is struggling with another wave of cases. The densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge with thousands of confirmed cases every day.

The US has the biggest official death toll in the world. However, the numbers have been seeing a downward trend over the last month.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Covid-19 technical lead said, "The virus is still spreading at far too intensive a level, three years into this pandemic."

"Even though we are seeing declining trends... there were still more than 10 million reported cases reported at a global level last week. We have to remain vigilant."

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday warned that the pandemic is 'far from over.' He further said that even after two years, the virus is still evolving and even surging in some parts of the world.

World Health Organisation's director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday warned that the pandemic is 'far from over.' He further said that even after two years, the virus is still evolving and even surging in some parts of the world. "Two years later, more than six million people have died," Tedros told a press conference. "Although reported cases and deaths are declining globally, and several countries have lifted restrictions, the pandemic is far from over -- and it will not be over anywhere until it's over everywhere." 444 million cases have been registered so far. "The virus continues to evolve, and we continue to face major obstacles in distributing vaccines, tests and treatments everywhere they are needed," Tedros said. While remote Pacific islands are struggling with their first-ever Covid outbreak, several European nations have removed all Covid-related restrictions. Also read | As pandemic enters third year, Covid related deaths to soon reach 6 million Top US officials, on the other hand, recently laid out a plan to move the nation to a new stage of the pandemic. The new plan focuses on four goals, to help the nation move forward safely. This includes protection against COVID, preparing for new variants, preventing shutdowns and continuing to vaccinate the world. Hong Kong is struggling with another wave of cases. The densely populated metropolis is in the throes of a record virus surge with thousands of confirmed cases every day. The US has the biggest official death toll in the world. However, the numbers have been seeing a downward trend over the last month. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO's Covid-19 technical lead said, "The virus is still spreading at far too intensive a level, three years into this pandemic." "Even though we are seeing declining trends... there were still more than 10 million reported cases reported at a global level last week. We have to remain vigilant." (With inputs from agencies)

WHO warns pandemic 'far from over' as Covid death toll reaches 6 million

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday said that cases of anxiety and depression have surged by over 25 per cent globally as Covid has taken a severe toll on the mental health of people. During a scientific brief, the organisation revealed that there was a 25.6 per cent hike in cases of anxiety disorders all across the globe.&nbsp;

Also, there was a 27.6 per cent increase in cases of major depressive disorder in the year 2020.&nbsp;

Brandon Gray of WHO's mental health and substance use department said, "In terms of scale, this is a very large increase." He told AFP that the briefing "shows that Covid-19 has had a large impact on people's mental health and wellbeing."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/womens-mental-health-deteriorated-more-in-covid-pandemic-study-419561">Also read |&nbsp;Women's mental health deteriorated more in Covid pandemic: Study</a>

A massive surge was seen in places that were heavily affected by Covid, in terms of high daily infection rates. Also, women and girls were more affected than males.&nbsp;

Earlier in October, a report stated that women have been the worst affected population in the pandemic. A Lancet study reported that cases of depression and anxiety have increased by more than a quarter in just the initial year of the coronavirus pandemic.

There have been 374 million cases of anxiety disorders around the world in 2020. Out of these, nearly 76 million were new cases caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday said that cases of anxiety and depression have surged by over 25 per cent globally as Covid has taken a severe toll on the mental health of people.

The World Health Organisation on Wednesday said that cases of anxiety and depression have surged by over 25 per cent globally as Covid has taken a severe toll on the mental health of people. During a scientific brief, the organisation revealed that there was a 25.6 per cent hike in cases of anxiety disorders all across the globe. Also, there was a 27.6 per cent increase in cases of major depressive disorder in the year 2020. Brandon Gray of WHO's mental health and substance use department said, "In terms of scale, this is a very large increase." He told AFP that the briefing "shows that Covid-19 has had a large impact on people's mental health and wellbeing." Also read | Women's mental health deteriorated more in Covid pandemic: Study A massive surge was seen in places that were heavily affected by Covid, in terms of high daily infection rates. Also, women and girls were more affected than males. Earlier in October, a report stated that women have been the worst affected population in the pandemic. A Lancet study reported that cases of depression and anxiety have increased by more than a quarter in just the initial year of the coronavirus pandemic. There have been 374 million cases of anxiety disorders around the world in 2020. Out of these, nearly 76 million were new cases caused by the coronavirus pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Anxiety and depression cases surged by over 25% due to Covid: WHO

Ukrainian hospitals are running on low medical oxygen with the supply lasting for the next 24 hours, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned as the Russian invasion disrupts transportation across the country.

In a statement released on Sunday, the WHO said that the oxygen supply situation is nearing a very dangerous point in Ukraine.

Trucks are unable to transport oxygen supplies from plants to hospitals across the country, including the capital Kyiv," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge said in a statement.

"The majority of hospitals could exhaust their oxygen reserves within the next 24 hours. Some have already run out. This puts thousands of lives at risk."

The country’s demand for liquid oxygen shot by 25% after Russia invaded Ukraine last week, according to the WHO.

The global health agency called for the establishment to create a safe transit corridor to increase oxygen supplies to Ukraine via a logistics route through neighbouring Poland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-ukrainian-brewery-owner-switched-from-beer-to-molotov-cocktails-to-help-fight-war-against-russians-457323">This Ukrainian brewery owner switched from beer to Molotov cocktails to help fight war against Russians</a>

Oxygen is essential for patients with a range of conditions, including the 1,700 in hospital with COVID-19 and those with other critical illnesses stemming from complications of pregnancy, childbirth, sepsis, injuries and trauma.

Critical hospital services were also being jeopardised by electricity and power shortages, while ambulances transporting patients were in danger of getting caught in the crossfire.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-might-send-mobile-crematoriums-to-ukraine-to-conceal-casualties-report-456915">Russia might send mobile crematoriums to Ukraine to conceal casualties: Report</a>

The WHO said it was looking to increase supplies, most likely using liquid oxygen and cylinders from regional networks. These supplies would need safe transit routes after leaving a logistics corridor through Poland.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: West squeezes Russian economy amid invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-west-squeezes-russian-economy-amid-invasion-457329/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian hospitals are running on low medical oxygen with the supply lasting for the next 24 hours, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned as the Russian invasion disrupts transportation across the country.

Ukrainian hospitals are running on low medical oxygen with the supply lasting for the next 24 hours, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned as the Russian invasion disrupts transportation across the country. In a statement released on Sunday, the WHO said that the oxygen supply situation is nearing a very dangerous point in Ukraine. Trucks are unable to transport oxygen supplies from plants to hospitals across the country, including the capital Kyiv," WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge said in a statement. "The majority of hospitals could exhaust their oxygen reserves within the next 24 hours. Some have already run out. This puts thousands of lives at risk." The country’s demand for liquid oxygen shot by 25% after Russia invaded Ukraine last week, according to the WHO. The global health agency called for the establishment to create a safe transit corridor to increase oxygen supplies to Ukraine via a logistics route through neighbouring Poland. Also read | This Ukrainian brewery owner switched from beer to Molotov cocktails to help fight war against Russians Oxygen is essential for patients with a range of conditions, including the 1,700 in hospital with COVID-19 and those with other critical illnesses stemming from complications of pregnancy, childbirth, sepsis, injuries and trauma. Critical hospital services were also being jeopardised by electricity and power shortages, while ambulances transporting patients were in danger of getting caught in the crossfire. Also read | Russia might send mobile crematoriums to Ukraine to conceal casualties: Report The WHO said it was looking to increase supplies, most likely using liquid oxygen and cylinders from regional networks. These supplies would need safe transit routes after leaving a logistics corridor through Poland. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: West squeezes Russian economy amid invasion (With inputs from agencies)

Medical oxygen supplies may run out in 24 hours in war-hit Ukraine, warns WHO

In a bid to ramp up vaccination campaigns in the low and middle-income countries, the World Health Organization has announced that the six African nations will receive the technology that is needed to produce the mRNA vaccines.

WHO: African countries to get mRNA vaccine technology

As per the new guidelines, the World Health Organization has decreased the recommended quarantine duration for people exposed to the coronavirus. People who test negative can now end quarantine after seven days. Earlier, the duration used to be that of 14 days.

In cases where testing to shorten quarantine is not possible, it may be ended after day 10 without testing. This will only be done if the contact presents no symptoms.&nbsp;

This comes at a time when several nations across the globe are easing Covid curbs.&nbsp;

Travel restrictions have been eased in several European nations. Many countries have shortened their quarantine time. In Estonia and Iceland, quarantine time has been reduced to seven days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-eases-virus-border-rules-for-workers-students-454049">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Japan eases virus border rules for workers and students but tourists will still be barred</a>

Slovenia has also shortened its quarantine time to five days.&nbsp;

The Norwegian government has already lifted its final Covid restrictions as they have scrapped all the social distancing measures. Also, masks are not mandatory now in public spaces.&nbsp;

Not just Norway but several other European nations are planning on easing the curbs. Spain, recently, became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates.&nbsp;

Restrictions in the Netherlands have also been eased. Non-essential stores, hairdressers and gyms are now be allowed to reopen.

(With inputs from agencies)

As per the new guidelines, the World Health Organization has decreased the recommended quarantine duration for people exposed to the coronavirus. People who test negative can now end quarantine after seven days.

As per the new guidelines, the World Health Organization has decreased the recommended quarantine duration for people exposed to the coronavirus. People who test negative can now end quarantine after seven days. Earlier, the duration used to be that of 14 days. In cases where testing to shorten quarantine is not possible, it may be ended after day 10 without testing. This will only be done if the contact presents no symptoms. This comes at a time when several nations across the globe are easing Covid curbs. Travel restrictions have been eased in several European nations. Many countries have shortened their quarantine time. In Estonia and Iceland, quarantine time has been reduced to seven days. Also read | COVID-19: Japan eases virus border rules for workers and students but tourists will still be barred Slovenia has also shortened its quarantine time to five days. The Norwegian government has already lifted its final Covid restrictions as they have scrapped all the social distancing measures. Also, masks are not mandatory now in public spaces. Not just Norway but several other European nations are planning on easing the curbs. Spain, recently, became the first European country to move towards ending mask mandates. Restrictions in the Netherlands have also been eased. Non-essential stores, hairdressers and gyms are now be allowed to reopen. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO shortens quarantine time for Covid-exposed after negative test

Amid the ongoing global surge in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant, The World Health Organisation has warned of COVID medical waste threat.

WHO warns of COVID medical waste threat amid the ongoing Omicron surge around the globe

British nature broadcaster David Attenborough, the World Health Organization and Belarusian dissident Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya are among the nominees for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner. 
 
Thousands of people, from members of parliaments worldwide to former winners, are eligible to propose candidates. 
 
Norwegian lawmakers have nominated an eventual Peace laureate every year since 2014, with the exception of 2019, including one of the two laureates last year, Maria Ressa. 
 
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees. 
 
However, some nominators like Norwegian lawmakers choose to reveal their picks. 
 
NATURE, COVID-19 
 
Attenborough, 95, is best known for his landmark television series illustrating the natural world, including `Life on Earth` and `The Blue Planet`. 
 
He was nominated jointly with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which assesses the state of biodiversity worldwide for policy-makers. 
 
They were nominated for "their efforts to inform about, and protect, Earth`s natural diversity, a prerequisite for sustainable and peaceful societies," said nominator Une Bastholm, the leader of the Norwegian Green Party. 
 
Environmentalists have won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past, including Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore. 
 
Still, "there is no scientific consensus on climate change as an important driver of violent combat," said Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, cautioning against a "too simplistic connection between the two". 
 
The coronavirus pandemic has been front and centre of people`s concerns over the past two years and this year the international body tasked with fighting it, the WHO, has again been nominated. 
 
"I think the WHO is likely to be discussed in the Committee for this year`s prize," said Urdal. 
 
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was nominated for the second year running for her "brave, tireless and peaceful work" for democracy and freedom in her home country, said parliamentarian Haarek Elvenes. 
 
Other nominees revealed by Norwegian lawmakers are jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the International Criminal Court in the Hague, WikiLeaks and Chelsea Manning, NATO, aid organisation CARE, Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad and the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for cooperation for Arctic nations. 
 
Nominations, which closed on Monday, do not imply an endorsement from the Nobel committee. 
 
The 2021 laureate will be announced in October.

British nature broadcaster David Attenborough, the World Health Organization and Belarusian dissident Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya are among the nominees for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner.

British nature broadcaster David Attenborough, the World Health Organization and Belarusian dissident Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya are among the nominees for this year's Nobel Peace Prize after being backed by Norwegian lawmakers who have a track record of picking the winner. Thousands of people, from members of parliaments worldwide to former winners, are eligible to propose candidates. Norwegian lawmakers have nominated an eventual Peace laureate every year since 2014, with the exception of 2019, including one of the two laureates last year, Maria Ressa. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which decides who wins the award, does not comment on nominations, keeping secret for 50 years the names of nominators and unsuccessful nominees. However, some nominators like Norwegian lawmakers choose to reveal their picks. NATURE, COVID-19 Attenborough, 95, is best known for his landmark television series illustrating the natural world, including `Life on Earth` and `The Blue Planet`. He was nominated jointly with the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which assesses the state of biodiversity worldwide for policy-makers. They were nominated for "their efforts to inform about, and protect, Earth`s natural diversity, a prerequisite for sustainable and peaceful societies," said nominator Une Bastholm, the leader of the Norwegian Green Party. Environmentalists have won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past, including Kenyan activist Wangari Maathai, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore. Still, "there is no scientific consensus on climate change as an important driver of violent combat," said Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo, cautioning against a "too simplistic connection between the two". The coronavirus pandemic has been front and centre of people`s concerns over the past two years and this year the international body tasked with fighting it, the WHO, has again been nominated. "I think the WHO is likely to be discussed in the Committee for this year`s prize," said Urdal. Exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was nominated for the second year running for her "brave, tireless and peaceful work" for democracy and freedom in her home country, said parliamentarian Haarek Elvenes. Other nominees revealed by Norwegian lawmakers are jailed Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, the International Criminal Court in the Hague, WikiLeaks and Chelsea Manning, NATO, aid organisation CARE, Iranian human rights activist Masih Alinejad and the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum for cooperation for Arctic nations. Nominations, which closed on Monday, do not imply an endorsement from the Nobel committee. The 2021 laureate will be announced in October.

Attenborough, WHO, Tsikhanouskaya among nominees for Nobel Peace Prize

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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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, News on Who, stories on Who, articles on Who, Who stories at Wion, Who news, Who latest news