Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said he had an interaction with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on various issues related to health and the latter lauded the "mammoth efforts" undertaken by the Indian government for vaccination against COVID-19.

The cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in India crossed 99 core on Tuesday and as the country is close to administering 100 crore doses, the Centre has urged the states to focus on the second-dose coverage of vaccination in light of an adequate availability of vaccine doses.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dcgi-seeks-technical-opinion-to-approve-covaxin-for-kids-421886">DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids</a>

"Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO @DrTedros, accompanied by other senior officials of @WHO, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for #COVID19 vaccination," Mandaviya said in a tweet.

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Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO <a href="https://twitter.com/DrTedros?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrTedros</a>, accompanied by other senior officials of <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a>, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. 
 
DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> vaccination.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/1450493019866611712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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According to official sources, around 74.45 per cent of India's eligible adult population has been administered at least one dose of the Covid vaccine and around 30.63 per cent have received both doses.

"We are at 99 crores. Go for it India, continue to rapidly march towards our milestone of 100 crore #COVID19 vaccinations," Mandaviya said in another tweet.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said he had an interaction with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on various issues related to health and the latter lauded the "mammoth efforts" undertaken by the Indian government for vaccination against COVID-19.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday said he had an interaction with WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on various issues related to health and the latter lauded the "mammoth efforts" undertaken by the Indian government for vaccination against COVID-19. The cumulative number of Covid vaccine doses administered in India crossed 99 core on Tuesday and as the country is close to administering 100 crore doses, the Centre has urged the states to focus on the second-dose coverage of vaccination in light of an adequate availability of vaccine doses. Also Read | DCGI seeks 'technical opinion' to approve Covaxin for kids "Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO @DrTedros, accompanied by other senior officials of @WHO, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for #COVID19 vaccination," Mandaviya said in a tweet. Had a detailed interaction with DG WHO @DrTedros, accompanied by other senior officials of @WHO, on various issues related to health, including pandemic management and WHO reforms. DG WHO lauded the mammoth efforts undertaken by the Indian government for #COVID19 vaccination. — Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) October 19, 2021 × According to official sources, around 74.45 per cent of India's eligible adult population has been administered at least one dose of the Covid vaccine and around 30.63 per cent have received both doses. "We are at 99 crores. Go for it India, continue to rapidly march towards our milestone of 100 crore #COVID19 vaccinations," Mandaviya said in another tweet.

WHO director general has lauded India's Covid vaccination efforts: Health Minister

The World Health Organization on Monday said that it expects Bharat Biotech to provide more information on its COVID-19 vaccine. This comes in a further setback to the Indian company's hopes of getting an emergency-use listing for the shot.

Without WHO's approval, the two-dose Covaxin is unlikely to be accepted as a valid COVID-19 vaccine around the world.&nbsp;

"We are aware that many people are waiting for WHO's recommendation for (Bharat Biotech's) Covaxin to be included in the #COVID19 Emergency Use Listing, but we cannot cut corners," WHO said on Twitter. 
Bharat Biotech did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-team-to-meet-on-october-26-to-consider-eul-for-covaxin-421625">Also read |&nbsp;WHO team to meet on October 26 to consider EUL for Covaxin</a>

This comes after the Chief Scientist at the WHO Soumya Swaminathan said that the technical advisory group of the WHO will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency use listing for Covaxin.

Bharat Biotech had submitted all the necessary documents required for the EUL on July 9.&nbsp;

“We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

Suchitra Ella, the company’s co-founder and joint managing director said that the approval is not expected to be a “long-drawn process”.

The World Health Organization on Monday said that it expects Bharat Biotech to provide more information on its COVID-19 vaccine. This comes in a further setback to the Indian company's hopes of getting an emergency-use listing for the shot.

The World Health Organization on Monday said that it expects Bharat Biotech to provide more information on its COVID-19 vaccine. This comes in a further setback to the Indian company's hopes of getting an emergency-use listing for the shot. Without WHO's approval, the two-dose Covaxin is unlikely to be accepted as a valid COVID-19 vaccine around the world. "We are aware that many people are waiting for WHO's recommendation for (Bharat Biotech's) Covaxin to be included in the #COVID19 Emergency Use Listing, but we cannot cut corners," WHO said on Twitter. Bharat Biotech did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Also read | WHO team to meet on October 26 to consider EUL for Covaxin This comes after the Chief Scientist at the WHO Soumya Swaminathan said that the technical advisory group of the WHO will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency use listing for Covaxin. Bharat Biotech had submitted all the necessary documents required for the EUL on July 9. “We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement. Suchitra Ella, the company’s co-founder and joint managing director said that the approval is not expected to be a “long-drawn process”.

WHO expects more info as it weighs approving India's Covaxin

The WHO's technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the emergency use listing of India's Covaxin which is being used in the country's nationwide anti-COVID-19 vaccination programme, according to the global health agency's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which has developed Covaxin, had submitted EOI (Expression of Interest) to the World Health Organisation on April 19 for its vaccine.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-development-finance-corporation-chief-to-visit-india-to-boost-vaccine-manufacturing-421167">US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing</a>

Swaminathan, the WHO's Chief Scientist, said on Twitter on Sunday that the technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use and to expand access to populations everywhere," she said in the tweet.

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The technical advisory group will meet on Oct 26th to consider EUL for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covaxin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covaxin</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> has been working closely with <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BharatBiotech</a> to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use &amp; to expand access to populations everywhere <a href="https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9">https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1449756927496495112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this month, the WHO said that Bharat Biotech has been submitting data to WHO on a rolling basis and submitted additional information at the WHO's request on September 27.

The WHO experts are currently reviewing this information and if it addresses all questions raised, the WHO assessment will be finalised next week."

The Geneva-based WHO said it began rolling data of the vaccine on July 6. Rolling data allows the WHO to start its review right away, as information continues to come in to accelerate the overall review process.

According to the WHO, submissions for pre-qualification or listing under the emergency use procedure are confidential.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-lab-suspended-after-false-negative-covid-tests-420952">&nbsp;UK lab suspended after false negative Covid tests</a>

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If a product submitted for assessment is found to meet the criteria for listing, the WHO will publish the results widely.

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Duration of the emergency use listing process depends on the quality of the data submitted by the vaccine manufacturer and on the data meeting the WHO's criteria, according to the agency.

The indigenously-developed Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is one of the six vaccines that have received emergency use authorisation from India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) and is being used in the nationwide anti-COVID-19 inoculation programme along with Covishield and Sputnik V.

Bharat Biotech recently said it has submitted all data pertaining to Covaxin to the WHO for the EUL and is awaiting feedback from the global health watchdog.

"#COVAXIN clinical trial data was fully compiled and available in June 2021. All Data

submitted for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Application to World Health Organization in early July. We have responded to any clarifications sought by #WHO and are awaiting further feedback," Bharat Biotech had tweeted last month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moderna-racing-for-profits-keeps-covid-vaccine-out-of-reach-of-poor-419518">Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor</a>

"We are diligently working with the WHO to obtain EUL at the earliest,&nbsp;the company had said on Tuesday.

India, the world's largest producer of vaccines overall, suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections.

Last month, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India will resume the supplies abroad.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the coronavirus has claimed 4,897,386 lives along with 240,559,605 confirmed cases across the world so far.

The WHO's technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the emergency use listing of India's Covaxin which is being used in the country's nationwide anti-COVID-19 vaccination programme, according to the global health agency's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan.

The WHO's technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the emergency use listing of India's Covaxin which is being used in the country's nationwide anti-COVID-19 vaccination programme, according to the global health agency's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan. Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, which has developed Covaxin, had submitted EOI (Expression of Interest) to the World Health Organisation on April 19 for its vaccine. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing Swaminathan, the WHO's Chief Scientist, said on Twitter on Sunday that the technical advisory group will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency Use Listing (EUL) for Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use and to expand access to populations everywhere," she said in the tweet. The technical advisory group will meet on Oct 26th to consider EUL for #Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use & to expand access to populations everywhere https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9 — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) October 17, 2021 × Earlier this month, the WHO said that Bharat Biotech has been submitting data to WHO on a rolling basis and submitted additional information at the WHO's request on September 27. The WHO experts are currently reviewing this information and if it addresses all questions raised, the WHO assessment will be finalised next week." The Geneva-based WHO said it began rolling data of the vaccine on July 6. Rolling data allows the WHO to start its review right away, as information continues to come in to accelerate the overall review process. According to the WHO, submissions for pre-qualification or listing under the emergency use procedure are confidential. Also Read | UK lab suspended after false negative Covid tests If a product submitted for assessment is found to meet the criteria for listing, the WHO will publish the results widely. Duration of the emergency use listing process depends on the quality of the data submitted by the vaccine manufacturer and on the data meeting the WHO's criteria, according to the agency. The indigenously-developed Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is one of the six vaccines that have received emergency use authorisation from India's drug regulator Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) and is being used in the nationwide anti-COVID-19 inoculation programme along with Covishield and Sputnik V. Bharat Biotech recently said it has submitted all data pertaining to Covaxin to the WHO for the EUL and is awaiting feedback from the global health watchdog. "#COVAXIN clinical trial data was fully compiled and available in June 2021. All Data submitted for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Application to World Health Organization in early July. We have responded to any clarifications sought by #WHO and are awaiting further feedback," Bharat Biotech had tweeted last month. Also Read | Moderna, racing for profits, keeps Covid vaccine out of reach of poor "We are diligently working with the WHO to obtain EUL at the earliest, the company had said on Tuesday. India, the world's largest producer of vaccines overall, suspended exports of COVID-19 vaccines in April to focus on inoculating its own population following a sudden spike in infections. Last month, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that India will resume the supplies abroad. According to Johns Hopkins University, the coronavirus has claimed 4,897,386 lives along with 240,559,605 confirmed cases across the world so far.

WHO to meet next week to consider emergency use listing of India's Covaxin

The technical advisory group of the World Health Organisation will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency use listing for Covaxin, Chief Scientist at the WHO Soumya Swaminathan said on Sunday.

The approval for Bharat Biotech’s made-in-India vaccine is much awaited.&nbsp;

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The technical advisory group will meet on Oct 26th to consider EUL for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covaxin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covaxin</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> has been working closely with <a href="https://twitter.com/BharatBiotech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BharatBiotech</a> to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use &amp; to expand access to populations everywhere <a href="https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9">https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9</a>
— Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) <a href="https://twitter.com/doctorsoumya/status/1449756927496495112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Bharat Biotech had submitted all the necessary documents required for the EUL on July 9.&nbsp;

“We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement.

Suchitra Ella, the company’s co-founder and joint managing director said that the approval is not expected to be a “long-drawn process”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covaxins-wait-continues-as-who-delays-emergency-use-again-413949">Also read |&nbsp;Covaxin's wait continues as WHO delays emergency use again</a>

“We are working closely with the World Health Organisation for the inclusion of Covaxin in its Emergency Use Listing. Approval from WHO is not expected to be a long-drawn process as the cell line and majority of our facilities have already been audited and approved by WHO for our other vaccines in the past,” she said in a tweet.

Meanwhile, the pharma regulator's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has recommended that Bharat Biotech's Covaxin be approved for emergency use in children aged 2 to 18.

The SEC has submitted its proposal for final clearance to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).

"After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for grant of market authorization of the vaccine for the age group of 2 to 18 years for restricted use in an emergency situation," the expert panel said in a statement.

The technical advisory group of the World Health Organisation will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency use listing for Covaxin, Chief Scientist at the WHO Soumya Swaminathan said on Sunday.

The technical advisory group of the World Health Organisation will meet on October 26 to consider the Emergency use listing for Covaxin, Chief Scientist at the WHO Soumya Swaminathan said on Sunday. The approval for Bharat Biotech’s made-in-India vaccine is much awaited. The technical advisory group will meet on Oct 26th to consider EUL for #Covaxin. @WHO has been working closely with @BharatBiotech to complete the dossier. Our goal is to have a broad portfolio of vaccines approved for emergency use & to expand access to populations everywhere https://t.co/lqQIyqItF9 — Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) October 17, 2021 × Bharat Biotech had submitted all the necessary documents required for the EUL on July 9. “We have responded to any clarifications sought by WHO and are awaiting further feedback. As a responsible manufacturer with several prequalified vaccines, we do not find it appropriate to speculate or comment on the approval process and its timelines,” said Bharat Biotech in a statement. Suchitra Ella, the company’s co-founder and joint managing director said that the approval is not expected to be a “long-drawn process”. Also read | Covaxin's wait continues as WHO delays emergency use again “We are working closely with the World Health Organisation for the inclusion of Covaxin in its Emergency Use Listing. Approval from WHO is not expected to be a long-drawn process as the cell line and majority of our facilities have already been audited and approved by WHO for our other vaccines in the past,” she said in a tweet. Meanwhile, the pharma regulator's Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has recommended that Bharat Biotech's Covaxin be approved for emergency use in children aged 2 to 18. The SEC has submitted its proposal for final clearance to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). "After detailed deliberation, the committee recommended for grant of market authorization of the vaccine for the age group of 2 to 18 years for restricted use in an emergency situation," the expert panel said in a statement.

WHO team to meet on October 26 to consider EUL for Covaxin

Deaths due to tuberculosis have increased for the first time in over a decade reversing years of global progress, the World Health Organization said on Thursday citing the 2021 Global TB report. The resurgence is linked to disruptions in healthcare due to the pandemic.

TB Deaths rise for the first time in over a decade

Following the formation a new advisory group on dangerous pathogens, the World Health Organisation says this may be our last chance to find the origins of the covid-19 pandemic and has again demanded raw data from china on the earliest covid cases which were detected in Wuhan in late 2019.

WHO demands raw data from China on the earliest COVID cases detected in Wuhan

WHO has a new team to probe the origins of the Wuhan virus. But once again, China is dictating the terms. Foreign investigators won't be allowed to test blood samples from Wuhan. China has also denied access to the infamous bat caves. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: China will not allow foreigners to test Wuhan blood samples

Many countries around the world have committed to a 'net zero' emissions. WHO climate report has called for transformational action. Watch this report to know more.

Countries around the world commit to 'net zero' emissions

Major Western donors have pressed the World Health Organization to launch a deeper external probe demanding how a major sexual abuse scandal in the Democratic Republic of Congo involving its staff was allowed to happen, diplomats told Reuters.

Some 83 aid workers, a quarter of them employed by the WHO, were involved in sexual exploitation and abuse during the country's Ebola epidemic from 2018 to 2020, an independent commission said last month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/travellers-vaccinated-with-who-approved-covid-vaccines-can-enter-us-cdc-419527">Travellers vaccinated with WHO approved Covid vaccines can enter US: CDC</a>

Women accused local and foreign aid workers of demanding sex in exchange for jobs and there were nine alleged rapes, the panel said in a report on the large-scale abuse in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and aides have shared its draft action plan with major donors - including the United States, Britain, European powers, Canada and Australia - prompting their calls for an external oversight body while the WHO also revamps internal policies, diplomats said.

The probe should examine how WHO management reacted to growing allegations and aim to establish wider accountability, they said.

The management plan, currently being revised and expected to be presented to WHO's 194 member states on Thursday, should set out robust action and identify management failures to prevent future abuses in emergency operations, they added.

"My understanding for the delay is they are actually beefing it up," a Western diplomat told Reuters.

The WHO said in an email reply that it has consulted staff, member states and others on its comprehensive plan to address the report`s recommendations and prevention in its operations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-experts-back-extra-covid-19-jab-for-immunocompromised-419991">WHO experts back extra COVID-19 jab for immunocompromised</a>

"The consultations with member states continue this week. WHO will integrate their feedback into the plan; we aim to finalise it shortly and present it to member states," it said.

A second Western diplomat said, "the draft needs to specifically mention and include an external investigation and be independent."

"Enormous Concern"&nbsp;

The UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) would be well-suited to lead the review "which should find mechanisms to ensure accountability goes as high as it needs to", he said.

"A lot of countries view these reports with enormous concern and are looking to the WHO for a major response that goes beyond treating the symptoms of the problem and makes sure something like this can never happen again," he added.

Tedros, who is seeking re-election next year, has said that WHO had terminated the contracts of four WHO employees and his priority was to hold perpetrators to account. His U.N. agency would address "management and staff failures".

Tedros, who visited Congo 14 times during the outbreak, launched the initial probe a year ago after an investigation by the Thomson Reuters Foundation and The New Humanitarian in which more than 50 women accused aid workers from the WHO and other charities of demanding sex.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-covid-19-update-high-infection-rate-in-0-19-age-group-in-india-globally-new-cases-fall-by-9-419214">WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%</a>

The U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF), asked whether any of its employees were implicated in the scandal, told Reuters on Wednesday: "At this point we have not received any information linking any of the subjects identified to UNICEF."

The commission cited "clear (WHO) structural failures and unpreparedness to manage the risks of incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse" and internal emails showing that the agency was aware of some incidents by May 2019.

A third diplomat said,&nbsp;"clearly it is an unfinished investigation".

"We don't have full sight of the delegation of authority or management reporting process," she said, adding that a cultural change was required, with greater emphasis on prevention and risk mitigation measures.

Another diplomat said, "we are calling for zero tolerance to be embedded in operations. We will be watching closely."

Major Western donors have pressed the World Health Organization to launch a deeper external probe demanding how a major sexual abuse scandal in the Democratic Republic of Congo involving its staff was allowed to happen, diplomats told Reuters.

Major Western donors have pressed the World Health Organization to launch a deeper external probe demanding how a major sexual abuse scandal in the Democratic Republic of Congo involving its staff was allowed to happen, diplomats told Reuters. Some 83 aid workers, a quarter of them employed by the WHO, were involved in sexual exploitation and abuse during the country's Ebola epidemic from 2018 to 2020, an independent commission said last month. Also Read | Travellers vaccinated with WHO approved Covid vaccines can enter US: CDC Women accused local and foreign aid workers of demanding sex in exchange for jobs and there were nine alleged rapes, the panel said in a report on the large-scale abuse in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and aides have shared its draft action plan with major donors - including the United States, Britain, European powers, Canada and Australia - prompting their calls for an external oversight body while the WHO also revamps internal policies, diplomats said. The probe should examine how WHO management reacted to growing allegations and aim to establish wider accountability, they said. The management plan, currently being revised and expected to be presented to WHO's 194 member states on Thursday, should set out robust action and identify management failures to prevent future abuses in emergency operations, they added. "My understanding for the delay is they are actually beefing it up," a Western diplomat told Reuters. The WHO said in an email reply that it has consulted staff, member states and others on its comprehensive plan to address the report`s recommendations and prevention in its operations. Also read | WHO experts back extra COVID-19 jab for immunocompromised "The consultations with member states continue this week. WHO will integrate their feedback into the plan; we aim to finalise it shortly and present it to member states," it said. A second Western diplomat said, "the draft needs to specifically mention and include an external investigation and be independent." "Enormous Concern" The UN's Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) would be well-suited to lead the review "which should find mechanisms to ensure accountability goes as high as it needs to", he said. "A lot of countries view these reports with enormous concern and are looking to the WHO for a major response that goes beyond treating the symptoms of the problem and makes sure something like this can never happen again," he added. Tedros, who is seeking re-election next year, has said that WHO had terminated the contracts of four WHO employees and his priority was to hold perpetrators to account. His U.N. agency would address "management and staff failures". Tedros, who visited Congo 14 times during the outbreak, launched the initial probe a year ago after an investigation by the Thomson Reuters Foundation and The New Humanitarian in which more than 50 women accused aid workers from the WHO and other charities of demanding sex. Also read | WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9% The U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF), asked whether any of its employees were implicated in the scandal, told Reuters on Wednesday: "At this point we have not received any information linking any of the subjects identified to UNICEF." The commission cited "clear (WHO) structural failures and unpreparedness to manage the risks of incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse" and internal emails showing that the agency was aware of some incidents by May 2019. A third diplomat said, "clearly it is an unfinished investigation". "We don't have full sight of the delegation of authority or management reporting process," she said, adding that a cultural change was required, with greater emphasis on prevention and risk mitigation measures. Another diplomat said, "we are calling for zero tolerance to be embedded in operations. We will be watching closely."

WHO donors seek deeper probe into Congo sexual abuse: Diplomats

China has rejected calls by World Health Organisation (WHO) for inspection of bat caves and animal breeding farms aimed at further investigation into origins of COVID pandemic, said a report.

Washington Post said that WHO wanted to carry out investigations in Enshi, six-hour drive from Wuhan which was world's first major epicentre of coronavirus outbreak.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/China-xi-jinping-crackdown-evergrande-mao-zedong-mistake-repeat-419919">Opinion | Is China's Xi Jinping repeating Mao's mistake?</a>

China has repeatedly resisted calls for a thorough international investigation into origins of COVID pandemic within its borders. A WHO has already made observations while in China but there were strict restrictions on movement of the members. At the end of their investigation, the team had stressed the need for more observations.

In August, US intelligence agencies told US President Joe Biden that coronavirus was not a biological weapon but may have been caused due to natural transmission or due to a lab leak.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-talks-fail-to-resolve-issues-at-lac-china-pins-blame-on-india-419801">After talks fail to resolve issues at LAC, China pins blame on India</a>

China has vehemently denied allegations that coronavirus originated there

The animal farms around Wuhan came into focus when it became known that animals from these farms were sold in the wet markets of Wuhan when such a sale was not permitted under the law.

China has rejected calls by World Health Organisation (WHO) for inspection of bat caves and animal breeding farms aimed at further investigation into origins of COVID pandemic, said a report.

China has rejected calls by World Health Organisation (WHO) for inspection of bat caves and animal breeding farms aimed at further investigation into origins of COVID pandemic, said a report. Washington Post said that WHO wanted to carry out investigations in Enshi, six-hour drive from Wuhan which was world's first major epicentre of coronavirus outbreak. Also Read: Opinion | Is China's Xi Jinping repeating Mao's mistake? China has repeatedly resisted calls for a thorough international investigation into origins of COVID pandemic within its borders. A WHO has already made observations while in China but there were strict restrictions on movement of the members. At the end of their investigation, the team had stressed the need for more observations. In August, US intelligence agencies told US President Joe Biden that coronavirus was not a biological weapon but may have been caused due to natural transmission or due to a lab leak. Also Read | After talks fail to resolve issues at LAC, China pins blame on India China has vehemently denied allegations that coronavirus originated there The animal farms around Wuhan came into focus when it became known that animals from these farms were sold in the wet markets of Wuhan when such a sale was not permitted under the law.

China rejects WHO calls for inspection of bat caves, animal farms: Report

The World Health Organization's vaccine advisers on Monday recommended people with weaker immune systems should be offered an additional dose of all authorised Covid-19 vaccines.

The UN health agency's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) also said over-60s who have been fully immunised with China's Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccine should be offered an additional third Covid-19 vaccine dose.

The experts stressed they were not recommending an additional so-called booster dose for the population at large.

Several Covid-19 vaccines have been given WHO approval for emergency use during the pandemic: Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac and AstraZeneca.

It is on the verge of deciding whether to give emergency use listing to India's Bharat Biotech jab.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-covid-19-update-high-infection-rate-in-0-19-age-group-in-india-globally-new-cases-fall-by-9-419214">Also read |&nbsp;WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%</a>

SAGE held a four-day meeting last week to review the latest information and data on a range of vaccines for Covid-19 and other diseases.

"SAGE recommended that moderately and severely immunocompromised persons should be offered an additional dose of all WHO EUL (emergency use listing) Covid-19 vaccines as part of an extended primary series," the group said.

"These individuals are less likely to respond adequately to vaccination following a standard primary vaccine series and are at high risk of severe Covid-19 disease."

It also said that for people fully immunised with Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, an additional third dose of the same jab "should be offered to persons aged 60 and above".

A different vaccine "may also be considered based on vaccine supply and access considerations".

SAGE added that when implementing this recommendation, countries should initially aim at maximising two-dose coverage in that population, and thereafter administer the third dose, starting in the oldest age groups.

The World Health Organization's vaccine advisers on Monday recommended people with weaker immune systems should be offered an additional dose of all authorised Covid-19 vaccines.

The World Health Organization's vaccine advisers on Monday recommended people with weaker immune systems should be offered an additional dose of all authorised Covid-19 vaccines. The UN health agency's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) also said over-60s who have been fully immunised with China's Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccine should be offered an additional third Covid-19 vaccine dose. The experts stressed they were not recommending an additional so-called booster dose for the population at large. Several Covid-19 vaccines have been given WHO approval for emergency use during the pandemic: Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen, Moderna, Sinopharm, Sinovac and AstraZeneca. It is on the verge of deciding whether to give emergency use listing to India's Bharat Biotech jab. Also read | WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9% SAGE held a four-day meeting last week to review the latest information and data on a range of vaccines for Covid-19 and other diseases. "SAGE recommended that moderately and severely immunocompromised persons should be offered an additional dose of all WHO EUL (emergency use listing) Covid-19 vaccines as part of an extended primary series," the group said. "These individuals are less likely to respond adequately to vaccination following a standard primary vaccine series and are at high risk of severe Covid-19 disease." It also said that for people fully immunised with Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines, an additional third dose of the same jab "should be offered to persons aged 60 and above". A different vaccine "may also be considered based on vaccine supply and access considerations". SAGE added that when implementing this recommendation, countries should initially aim at maximising two-dose coverage in that population, and thereafter administer the third dose, starting in the oldest age groups.

WHO experts back extra COVID-19 jab for immunocompromised

The first official clinical definition of so-called long COVID has been agreed upon after global consultation and released to help boost treatment for sufferers, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday. Watch this report for more details.

WHO establishes clinical definition of long COVID

The United Nations and World Health Organisation have come together for a collective goal, vaccine equity. The WHO had set an ambitious goal which is to get 40% of every country's population vaccinated by the end of this year.

United Nations, World Health Organisation come together for a collective goal

A cross-sectional study in India has shown an increased number of COVID-19 infections in those between the ages of 0-19 and in women, a higher mortality rate and more incidences of post-vaccination infections with the Delta variant.

World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update, issued this week, cited this cross-sectional study. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, focused on demographic characteristics, including severe illness and mortality rates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-logs-21257-new-covid-cases-271-deaths-419059">India logs 21,257 new Covid cases, 271 deaths</a>

Researchers conducted this study in India among COVID-19 cases caused by the B.1 variant (a non-Variant Of Concern) and the B.1.617.2 Delta variant (a Variant Of Concern).

"Using viral genomic sequences from 9,500 COVID-19 patients, the study found an increased number of infections among younger age groups (0-19 years) and women, a lower mean age for infection and symptomatic illness/hospitalisation, higher mortality and more frequent incidences of post-vaccination infections with Delta variant compared to the non-VOC (B.1) variant," the WHO update said.

Watch |&nbsp;COVID situation in different parts of the globe get grim

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/covid-situation-in-different-parts-of-the-globe-get-grim-418008/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The update also stated that worldwide, the number of weekly COVID-19 cases and deaths has been declining since August. Compared to the previous week, the number of cases plunged by 9 per cent, while death rates remained the same.

During the week of September 27 to October 3, 2021, 3.1 million new cases and just over 54,000 new deaths were reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-covid-19-caseload-tops-2367-million-419033">Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million</a>

Globally, there have been more than 234 million confirmed cases and about 4.8 million deaths.

Except for the European region, all regions reported a decline in new cases this week. The African Region reported the largest decrease of 43 per cent, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean Region at 21 per cent and the South-East Asia Region at 19 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

A cross-sectional study in India has shown an increased number of COVID-19 infections in those between the ages of 0-19 and in women, a higher mortality rate and more incidences of post-vaccination infections with the Delta variant.

A cross-sectional study in India has shown an increased number of COVID-19 infections in those between the ages of 0-19 and in women, a higher mortality rate and more incidences of post-vaccination infections with the Delta variant. World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update, issued this week, cited this cross-sectional study. The study, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, focused on demographic characteristics, including severe illness and mortality rates. Also read | India logs 21,257 new Covid cases, 271 deaths Researchers conducted this study in India among COVID-19 cases caused by the B.1 variant (a non-Variant Of Concern) and the B.1.617.2 Delta variant (a Variant Of Concern). "Using viral genomic sequences from 9,500 COVID-19 patients, the study found an increased number of infections among younger age groups (0-19 years) and women, a lower mean age for infection and symptomatic illness/hospitalisation, higher mortality and more frequent incidences of post-vaccination infections with Delta variant compared to the non-VOC (B.1) variant," the WHO update said. Watch | COVID situation in different parts of the globe get grim The update also stated that worldwide, the number of weekly COVID-19 cases and deaths has been declining since August. Compared to the previous week, the number of cases plunged by 9 per cent, while death rates remained the same. During the week of September 27 to October 3, 2021, 3.1 million new cases and just over 54,000 new deaths were reported. Also read | Global Covid-19 caseload tops 236.7 million Globally, there have been more than 234 million confirmed cases and about 4.8 million deaths. Except for the European region, all regions reported a decline in new cases this week. The African Region reported the largest decrease of 43 per cent, followed by the Eastern Mediterranean Region at 21 per cent and the South-East Asia Region at 19 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO COVID-19 Update: High infection rate in 0-19 age group in India, globally new cases fall by 9%

WHO has recommended World's first Malaria vaccine for Children. Malaria has been killing humans since Mesopotamian civilisation. Why did it take so long to develop a vaccine? Is it because Malaria mostly affects Africa and not the West? Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: WHO recommends first Malaria vaccine for children

The world has gained a new weapon in the war on malaria, among the oldest known and deadliest of infectious diseases: the first vaccine shown to help prevent the disease.Watch this report to know more.

WHO recommends use of first malaria jab

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has approved the first malaria vaccine RTS, S/AS01 in the world. It will start from African countries that are affected the most.

WHO approves first-ever malaria vaccine in major breakthrough

The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine was recommended by the World Health Organisation on Wednesday, making it the first vaccination against the mosquito-borne illness that kills over 400,000 people each year, primarily African children.

The decision was taken after an assessment of a pilot programme that has been running in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi since 2019 and has handed out over two million doses of the vaccine, which was initially developed by the pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-recommends-use-of-first-malaria-vaccine-for-children-418724">Also read | WHO recommends use of first malaria vaccine for children</a>

RTS, S/AS01 (trade name Mosquirix) is the first vaccination for children aged 6 weeks to 17 months that is about 30% effective against severe instances of the mosquito-borne illness malaria.

GlaxoSmithKline's four-dose vaccine, which took 30 years to develop, protects against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite found in Africa.&nbsp;

It's also the first malaria vaccine to be offered by three national ministries of health through their childhood vaccination programmes; over 800,000 children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have been immunised as part of a trial study, and are benefiting from the vaccine's additional protection.

Other recent clinical evidence suggests that timing the vaccine distribution just before the peak malaria transmission season in places where malaria is highly seasonal might maximise impact and significantly reduce mortality, especially when coupled with other malaria control measures.&nbsp;

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic illness spread by bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

It's both avoidable and treatable.

Despite this, there were a projected 229 million cases of malaria around the globe in 2019, with an estimated 409,000 malaria fatalities.

In 2019, children under the age of five are the most vulnerable to malaria, accounting for 67 percent (274,000) of all malaria fatalities worldwide.

According to WHO, India had an estimated 5.6 million cases of malaria in 2019, compared to nearly 20 million cases in 2000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine was recommended by the World Health Organisation on Wednesday, making it the first vaccination against the mosquito-borne illness that kills over 400,000 people each year, primarily African children.

The RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine was recommended by the World Health Organisation on Wednesday, making it the first vaccination against the mosquito-borne illness that kills over 400,000 people each year, primarily African children. The decision was taken after an assessment of a pilot programme that has been running in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi since 2019 and has handed out over two million doses of the vaccine, which was initially developed by the pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987. Also read | WHO recommends use of first malaria vaccine for children RTS, S/AS01 (trade name Mosquirix) is the first vaccination for children aged 6 weeks to 17 months that is about 30% effective against severe instances of the mosquito-borne illness malaria. GlaxoSmithKline's four-dose vaccine, which took 30 years to develop, protects against Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite found in Africa. It's also the first malaria vaccine to be offered by three national ministries of health through their childhood vaccination programmes; over 800,000 children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have been immunised as part of a trial study, and are benefiting from the vaccine's additional protection. Other recent clinical evidence suggests that timing the vaccine distribution just before the peak malaria transmission season in places where malaria is highly seasonal might maximise impact and significantly reduce mortality, especially when coupled with other malaria control measures. Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic illness spread by bites from infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It's both avoidable and treatable. Despite this, there were a projected 229 million cases of malaria around the globe in 2019, with an estimated 409,000 malaria fatalities. In 2019, children under the age of five are the most vulnerable to malaria, accounting for 67 percent (274,000) of all malaria fatalities worldwide. According to WHO, India had an estimated 5.6 million cases of malaria in 2019, compared to nearly 20 million cases in 2000. (With inputs from agencies)

What is Mosquirix, the world's first malaria vaccine WHO recommends?

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is sending COVID-19 aid for North Korea through China's border port of Dalian, despite few signs North Korea has eased strict border lockdowns to keep the virus out.

In its latest weekly report for South and East Asia, which covers the period to the end of September, the WHO said it had begun shipments through Dalian port in China, which is near the border with North Korea.

"To support DPR Korea with essential COVID-19 medical supplies, WHO started the shipment through Dalian port, China for strategic stockpiling and further dispatch to DPR Korea," the agency said, referring to North Korea by the initials of its official name.

The WHO did not elaborate on whether the aid had actually reached North Korea, and a spokesperson for the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

North Korea imposed tough restrictions when the coronavirus pandemic began last year, sealing its borders and other measures in what it saw as a matter of national survival.

It had tested at least 40,700 people for the coronavirus with no positive results as of Sept. 23, the WHO reported.

Officials in South Korea and the United States have cast doubts on North Korea`s claim to have never had a coronavirus case but no signs of major outbreaks have been confirmed.

An official for South Korea's unification ministry, which handles relations with the North, told the Yonhap news agency that while Chinese customs data showed that maritime shipping routes between North Korea and China appeared to be opening, signs of movement of goods through land routes between the two countries had not been detected.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is sending COVID-19 aid for North Korea through China's border port of Dalian, despite few signs North Korea has eased strict border lockdowns to keep the virus out.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says it is sending COVID-19 aid for North Korea through China's border port of Dalian, despite few signs North Korea has eased strict border lockdowns to keep the virus out. In its latest weekly report for South and East Asia, which covers the period to the end of September, the WHO said it had begun shipments through Dalian port in China, which is near the border with North Korea. "To support DPR Korea with essential COVID-19 medical supplies, WHO started the shipment through Dalian port, China for strategic stockpiling and further dispatch to DPR Korea," the agency said, referring to North Korea by the initials of its official name. The WHO did not elaborate on whether the aid had actually reached North Korea, and a spokesperson for the agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment. North Korea imposed tough restrictions when the coronavirus pandemic began last year, sealing its borders and other measures in what it saw as a matter of national survival. It had tested at least 40,700 people for the coronavirus with no positive results as of Sept. 23, the WHO reported. Officials in South Korea and the United States have cast doubts on North Korea`s claim to have never had a coronavirus case but no signs of major outbreaks have been confirmed. An official for South Korea's unification ministry, which handles relations with the North, told the Yonhap news agency that while Chinese customs data showed that maritime shipping routes between North Korea and China appeared to be opening, signs of movement of goods through land routes between the two countries had not been detected.

WHO is sending COVID-19 aid for North Korea

The World Health Organization on Wednesday endorsed the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the first against the mosquito-borne disease that kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly African children.

The decision followed a review of a pilot programme deployed since 2019 in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi in which more than two million doses were given of the vaccine, first made by the pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987.

After reviewing evidence from those countries, the WHO said it was "recommending the broad use of the world's first malaria vaccine", the agency's director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

The WHO said it was recommending children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission get four doses up to the age of two.

Every two minutes, a child dies of malaria, the agency said.&nbsp;

More than half of malaria deaths worldwide are in six sub-Saharan African countries and almost a quarter are in Nigeria alone, according to 2019 WHO figures.

Symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle pain, then cycles of chills, fever and sweating.

Findings from the vaccine pilot showed it "significantly reduces severe malaria which is the deadly form by 30 percent," said Kate O'Brien, Director of WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals.

The vaccine is "feasible to deliver", she added and "it's also reaching the unreached... Two thirds of children who don’t sleep under a bed net in those countries are now benefiting from the vaccine."

Many vaccines exist against viruses and bacteria but this was the first time that the WHO recommended for broad use a vaccine against a human parasite.

The vaccine acts against plasmodium falciparum -- one of five malaria parasite species and the most deadly.

"From a scientific perspective this is a massive breakthrough," said Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme.

'Glimmer of hope'

Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa said Wednesday's recommendation "offers a glimmer of hope for the continent which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease."

The estimated cost of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa is over 12 billion dollars a year, Alonso said at a news conference following the announcement.

Before the newly recommended vaccine can reach children in need, the next step will be funding.&nbsp;

"That will be the next major step... Then we will be set up for scaling of doses and decisions about where the vaccine will be most useful and how it will be deployed," said O'Brien.

Gavi vaccine alliance said in a statement after the WHO announcement that "global stakeholders, including Gavi, will consider whether and how to finance a new malaria vaccination programme for countries in sub-Saharan Africa."

The fight against malaria received a boost in April when researchers from Britain's Oxford University announced that their Matrix-M vaccine candidate had become the first to surpass the WHO's threshold of 75-percent efficacy.

Germany's BioNTech, which developed a coronavirus vaccine with US giant Pfizer, also said it aimed to start trials for a malaria vaccine next year using the same breakthrough mRNA technology.

The WHO also hopes this latest recommendation will encourage scientists to develop more malaria vaccines.&nbsp;

The RTS,S/AS01 is "a first generation, really important one," said Alonso, "but we hope... it stimulates the field to look for other types of vaccines to completement or go beyond this one."

The World Health Organization on Wednesday endorsed the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the first against the mosquito-borne disease that kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly African children.

The World Health Organization on Wednesday endorsed the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the first against the mosquito-borne disease that kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly African children. The decision followed a review of a pilot programme deployed since 2019 in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi in which more than two million doses were given of the vaccine, first made by the pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987. After reviewing evidence from those countries, the WHO said it was "recommending the broad use of the world's first malaria vaccine", the agency's director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said. The WHO said it was recommending children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission get four doses up to the age of two. Every two minutes, a child dies of malaria, the agency said. More than half of malaria deaths worldwide are in six sub-Saharan African countries and almost a quarter are in Nigeria alone, according to 2019 WHO figures. Symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle pain, then cycles of chills, fever and sweating. Findings from the vaccine pilot showed it "significantly reduces severe malaria which is the deadly form by 30 percent," said Kate O'Brien, Director of WHO’s Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. The vaccine is "feasible to deliver", she added and "it's also reaching the unreached... Two thirds of children who don’t sleep under a bed net in those countries are now benefiting from the vaccine." Many vaccines exist against viruses and bacteria but this was the first time that the WHO recommended for broad use a vaccine against a human parasite. The vaccine acts against plasmodium falciparum -- one of five malaria parasite species and the most deadly. "From a scientific perspective this is a massive breakthrough," said Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme. 'Glimmer of hope' Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa said Wednesday's recommendation "offers a glimmer of hope for the continent which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease." The estimated cost of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa is over 12 billion dollars a year, Alonso said at a news conference following the announcement. Before the newly recommended vaccine can reach children in need, the next step will be funding. "That will be the next major step... Then we will be set up for scaling of doses and decisions about where the vaccine will be most useful and how it will be deployed," said O'Brien. Gavi vaccine alliance said in a statement after the WHO announcement that "global stakeholders, including Gavi, will consider whether and how to finance a new malaria vaccination programme for countries in sub-Saharan Africa." The fight against malaria received a boost in April when researchers from Britain's Oxford University announced that their Matrix-M vaccine candidate had become the first to surpass the WHO's threshold of 75-percent efficacy. Germany's BioNTech, which developed a coronavirus vaccine with US giant Pfizer, also said it aimed to start trials for a malaria vaccine next year using the same breakthrough mRNA technology. The WHO also hopes this latest recommendation will encourage scientists to develop more malaria vaccines. The RTS,S/AS01 is "a first generation, really important one," said Alonso, "but we hope... it stimulates the field to look for other types of vaccines to completement or go beyond this one."

WHO recommends use of first malaria vaccine for children

Just two per cent of the population, or fewer, have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus in half of the countries in Africa, the World Health Organization said on Thursday,

Fifteen of the continent's 54 nations have managed to vaccinate at least 10 per cent of their people, thereby achieving the global goal for September 30, set in May by the World Health Assembly, the world's highest health policy-setting body.

"The latest data shows modest gains but there is still a long way to go to reach the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 per cent of the population by the end of the year," said Richard Mihigo, the World Health Organisation's vaccination coordinator in Africa. 
Shipments of the vaccine have been increasing "but opaque delivery plans are still the number one nuisance that hold Africa back," said Mihigo.

A total of 23 million vaccine doses arrived in Africa in September, a 10-fold increase from June.

Half of the 52 African countries that have received COVID-19 vaccines have fully vaccinated just 2 per cent or less of their populations, the WHO said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-carries-out-new-test-fires-anti-aircraft-missile-417239">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea carries out new test, fires anti-aircraft missile</a>

Most of the African countries that have met, or bettered the 10 per cent goal have relatively small populations.

The islands of Mauritius and Seychelles have managed to fully vaccinate over 60 per cent of their populations, according to the WHO data.

In Morocco 48 per cent of the population have received two Covid-19 jabs while the figures are above 20 per cent in Tunisia, Comoros and Cape Verde.

"All these countries have enjoyed sufficient supplies of vaccines, and many could access doses from separate sources in addition to those delivered through the global Covax facility, the WHO said.

Covid-19 case numbers in Africa dropped by 35 per cent to just over 74,000 in the week of 26 September.

Almost 1,800 deaths were reported across 34 African countries in the same period.

"Despite the declining case numbers we must all remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the proven public health and safety measures that we know save lives, such as wearing a mask, washing our hands regularly and physical distancing, especially while vaccination rates remain low," Mihigo told a virtual press conference. 
&nbsp;

Just two per cent of the population, or fewer, have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus in half of the countries in Africa, the World Health Organization said on Thursday, Fifteen of the continent's 54 nations have managed to vaccinate at least 10 per cent of their people, thereby achieving the global goal for September 30, set in May by the World Health Assembly, the world's highest health policy-setting body.

Just two per cent of the population, or fewer, have been fully vaccinated against coronavirus in half of the countries in Africa, the World Health Organization said on Thursday, Fifteen of the continent's 54 nations have managed to vaccinate at least 10 per cent of their people, thereby achieving the global goal for September 30, set in May by the World Health Assembly, the world's highest health policy-setting body. "The latest data shows modest gains but there is still a long way to go to reach the WHO target of fully vaccinating 40 per cent of the population by the end of the year," said Richard Mihigo, the World Health Organisation's vaccination coordinator in Africa. Shipments of the vaccine have been increasing "but opaque delivery plans are still the number one nuisance that hold Africa back," said Mihigo. A total of 23 million vaccine doses arrived in Africa in September, a 10-fold increase from June. Half of the 52 African countries that have received COVID-19 vaccines have fully vaccinated just 2 per cent or less of their populations, the WHO said. Also read | North Korea carries out new test, fires anti-aircraft missile Most of the African countries that have met, or bettered the 10 per cent goal have relatively small populations. The islands of Mauritius and Seychelles have managed to fully vaccinate over 60 per cent of their populations, according to the WHO data. In Morocco 48 per cent of the population have received two Covid-19 jabs while the figures are above 20 per cent in Tunisia, Comoros and Cape Verde. "All these countries have enjoyed sufficient supplies of vaccines, and many could access doses from separate sources in addition to those delivered through the global Covax facility, the WHO said. Covid-19 case numbers in Africa dropped by 35 per cent to just over 74,000 in the week of 26 September. Almost 1,800 deaths were reported across 34 African countries in the same period. "Despite the declining case numbers we must all remain vigilant and continue to adhere to the proven public health and safety measures that we know save lives, such as wearing a mask, washing our hands regularly and physical distancing, especially while vaccination rates remain low," Mihigo told a virtual press conference.

2% or less have had COVID-19 jabs in many African nations: WHO

In the past two years, truck driver, airline workers and others witnessing months of quarantine, travel restrictions and complex covid testing and vaccine requirements. Now transport head writes a joint open letter to raise awareness issues of what transport industry is facing.

Global supply chain currently fragile; Transport heads ask WHO to take up issues at UN

The head of the World Health Organization apologised Tuesday after independent investigators probing allegations of sexual abuse in DR Congo by the UN agency's staff issued a damning indictment citing "clear structural failures" and "individual negligence."Watch this report for more details.

WHO chief apologises for sex abuse by staff in DR Congo

Stressing that the Covid virus may continue to transmit for a very long time, senior WHO official Poonam Khetrapal Singh says the level of immunity in a community, through vaccination and previous infection, will determine whether it will become endemic in the long run.

WHO's South-East Asia region regional director added that there is need to get to a situation where "we are fully in control of the virus, and not the virus in control of us".

The endemic stage is when a population learns to live with a virus, very different from the epidemic stage when the virus overwhelms a population.

Populations where more people were previously infected and where vaccination coverage is high are expected to be less impacted by the virus in the future than other populations, Singh told PTI in an interview.

"The COVID-19 virus is expected to continue to transmit for a very long time. A multitude of factors will decide whether the virus will become endemic in the long run, chief among them is the level of immunity in a community, both through vaccination and previous infection, she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-18795-fresh-covid-19-cases-lowest-in-six-months-416546">India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months</a>

On the granting of emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the indigenously developed Covaxin, she said Bharat Biotech's dossier seeking WHO's Emergency Use Listing (EUL) is being reviewed by technical experts and "we can expect a decision when the process is complete".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-pandemic-ceos-of-pfizer-and-moderna-say-life-will-be-back-to-normal-in-a-year-416527">Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year</a>

Discussing the role of booster doses to tackle waning immunity, Singh pointed out that cases and deaths in all countries are predominantly being driven by unvaccinated people. Using vaccines for booster doses constricts supply to countries where millions are still waiting for their first dose, she said.

"Hence, WHO has called for a time-limited moratorium on COVID-19 booster doses until the end of 2021. This is to allow for at least 40 per cent of the population of each country - including those most at risk and health workers - to be vaccinated. We must remember that no one is safe till everyone is safe."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cant-go-unvaccinated-president-biden-gets-vaccine-booster-shot-416490">'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot</a>

She said there is currently no conclusive evidence that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy against severe disease and death wanes significantly over time. The vaccines, the expert emphasised, have remained effective in preventing severe disease and death.

"However, WHO has not ruled out that boosters for some population groups may be warranted in future. WHO's recommendations on boosters will be guided by the scientific evidence, which is still evolving," she said.

"To make a recommendation on the use of booster doses for the general population, more data is needed on optimal timing, safety and dosage of booster doses, which may differ between vaccine products. More extensive research is needed to study the effect of booster doses in the body." 
According to Singh, eradication is unlikely but what we can do is to prevent or minimise deaths, hospitalisations, tragedy and social, economic and health loss due to this pandemic.

Current evidence, she said, shows that protection levels around the world remain low and most people continue to be susceptible to the virus.

"WHO continues to recommend a strong public health response based on risk assessment, and for people to continue to protect themselves by getting vaccinated, maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, cleaning hands and following respiratory hygiene." 
 
Referring to the probability of a third Covid wave, Singh said another surge and how intense it will be will depend on all of us.

"If we together continue to adhere to public health and social measures and continue to vaccinate people as fast as possible, it will be hard for the virus to infect enough people to cause another wave," she said.

"From experience globally, there is enough evidence that the public health and social measures work, even against the Variants of Concern that are spreading more rapidly, and these measures are critical to limiting transmission of COVID-19 and reducing deaths. For the public health and social measures to be effective, they must be implemented well and timely and must be tailored to local settings and conditions." 
 
On India's decision to restart exporting COVID-19 vaccines, Singh said there is need for equity of vaccination administration globally to ensure that the most vulnerable such as frontline workers and the elderly are fully vaccinated.

"At the moment, several low and lower-middle-income countries are lagging behind in vaccinating their vulnerable populations. An equitable vaccine distribution will also help check the emergence of variants by halting the spread of the virus." 
 
Singh also noted that the pandemic has given "once-in-a-century opportunity" to strengthen the health system to build back better.

"We must invest in strengthening health system resilience to ensure health security and achieve universal health coverage. It means allocation of more resources for health and its efficient governance," she said.

Now is also the time for countries to take lessons from the pandemic to strengthen health systems in her view.

"Strong health systems that are primary healthcare-oriented, and which leave no one behind, create populations that are healthier, more productive and financially secure. Resilient health systems are the bedrock of emergency preparedness and response, and ensure that when acute events occur, essential health services can be maintained," Singh said.

Stressing that the Covid virus may continue to transmit for a very long time, senior WHO official Poonam Khetrapal Singh says the level of immunity in a community, through vaccination and previous infection, will determine whether it will become endemic in the long run.

Stressing that the Covid virus may continue to transmit for a very long time, senior WHO official Poonam Khetrapal Singh says the level of immunity in a community, through vaccination and previous infection, will determine whether it will become endemic in the long run. WHO's South-East Asia region regional director added that there is need to get to a situation where "we are fully in control of the virus, and not the virus in control of us". The endemic stage is when a population learns to live with a virus, very different from the epidemic stage when the virus overwhelms a population. Populations where more people were previously infected and where vaccination coverage is high are expected to be less impacted by the virus in the future than other populations, Singh told PTI in an interview. "The COVID-19 virus is expected to continue to transmit for a very long time. A multitude of factors will decide whether the virus will become endemic in the long run, chief among them is the level of immunity in a community, both through vaccination and previous infection, she said. Also read | India records 18,795 fresh COVID-19 cases, lowest in six months On the granting of emergency use authorisation (EUA) for the indigenously developed Covaxin, she said Bharat Biotech's dossier seeking WHO's Emergency Use Listing (EUL) is being reviewed by technical experts and "we can expect a decision when the process is complete". Also read | Covid pandemic: CEOs of Pfizer and Moderna say life will be back to normal in a year Discussing the role of booster doses to tackle waning immunity, Singh pointed out that cases and deaths in all countries are predominantly being driven by unvaccinated people. Using vaccines for booster doses constricts supply to countries where millions are still waiting for their first dose, she said. "Hence, WHO has called for a time-limited moratorium on COVID-19 booster doses until the end of 2021. This is to allow for at least 40 per cent of the population of each country - including those most at risk and health workers - to be vaccinated. We must remember that no one is safe till everyone is safe." Also read | 'Can't go unvaccinated': President Biden gets vaccine booster shot She said there is currently no conclusive evidence that COVID-19 vaccine efficacy against severe disease and death wanes significantly over time. The vaccines, the expert emphasised, have remained effective in preventing severe disease and death. "However, WHO has not ruled out that boosters for some population groups may be warranted in future. WHO's recommendations on boosters will be guided by the scientific evidence, which is still evolving," she said. "To make a recommendation on the use of booster doses for the general population, more data is needed on optimal timing, safety and dosage of booster doses, which may differ between vaccine products. More extensive research is needed to study the effect of booster doses in the body." According to Singh, eradication is unlikely but what we can do is to prevent or minimise deaths, hospitalisations, tragedy and social, economic and health loss due to this pandemic. Current evidence, she said, shows that protection levels around the world remain low and most people continue to be susceptible to the virus. "WHO continues to recommend a strong public health response based on risk assessment, and for people to continue to protect themselves by getting vaccinated, maintaining physical distance, wearing a mask, avoiding poorly ventilated spaces, cleaning hands and following respiratory hygiene." Referring to the probability of a third Covid wave, Singh said another surge and how intense it will be will depend on all of us. "If we together continue to adhere to public health and social measures and continue to vaccinate people as fast as possible, it will be hard for the virus to infect enough people to cause another wave," she said. "From experience globally, there is enough evidence that the public health and social measures work, even against the Variants of Concern that are spreading more rapidly, and these measures are critical to limiting transmission of COVID-19 and reducing deaths. For the public health and social measures to be effective, they must be implemented well and timely and must be tailored to local settings and conditions." On India's decision to restart exporting COVID-19 vaccines, Singh said there is need for equity of vaccination administration globally to ensure that the most vulnerable such as frontline workers and the elderly are fully vaccinated. "At the moment, several low and lower-middle-income countries are lagging behind in vaccinating their vulnerable populations. An equitable vaccine distribution will also help check the emergence of variants by halting the spread of the virus." Singh also noted that the pandemic has given "once-in-a-century opportunity" to strengthen the health system to build back better. "We must invest in strengthening health system resilience to ensure health security and achieve universal health coverage. It means allocation of more resources for health and its efficient governance," she said. Now is also the time for countries to take lessons from the pandemic to strengthen health systems in her view. "Strong health systems that are primary healthcare-oriented, and which leave no one behind, create populations that are healthier, more productive and financially secure. Resilient health systems are the bedrock of emergency preparedness and response, and ensure that when acute events occur, essential health services can be maintained," Singh said.

Covid virus expected to continue to transmit for a very long time, says WHO official

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