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

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

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

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

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

Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces

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

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

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

Two new COVID-19 treatments approved by World Health Organization

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

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

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

WHO condemns medicine, life-saving supplies blockade in Tigray

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

World Health Organisation issues warning on Omicron spread

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHO warns that next variant could be more dangerous

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It is a race against time for the scientists to try and understand the implications of what the new mutant variant called the Omicron variant of the coronavirus actually mean. Ever since the virus was detected in South Africa, it has set alarm bells all around the world. In an exclusive interview, WION's Kalden Ongmu spoke to the chairman of the South African medical association Angelique Coetzee who has been treating the new cases in her country, listen in.

Top South African medical expert sheds light on Covid-19 variant Omicron

The World Health Organisation (WHO) chief- Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pleaded with countries during the World Health Assembly to do their part to tackle vaccine inequality amid the risk of Omicron variant spreading globally.

WHO chief raises alarm over vacccine equity amid risk of Omicron spreading globally

Amid the fears of the global risk of new covid variant, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has stated that the Omicron variant is likely to spread internationally, posing a "very high" global risk of infection surges that could have "severe consequences".

Covid News: 'Risk related to Omicron very high,' says WHO

As the world grapples with Omicron, the WHO has warned the nations about the threat of the new variant. Omicron has been found to be spread at a faster pace than the previous variant.

WHO: Omicron cases doubling at a faster pace, severity yet to be studied

World Health Organization warned the nations to not dismiss the Omicron variant of COVID-19 as mild. WHO also added that vaccines may have reduced effectiveness.

WHO: World should not dismiss Omicron variant as mild

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