According to an early draft of a global pandemic agreement, World Health Organization (WHO) may ask governments to reserve drugs and vaccines in order to distribute them in poorer countries. This step could be taken to avoid a repeat of the 'catastrophic failure' during the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;According to Reuters, one of the most concrete proposals in the draft accord includes a measure to reserve 20 per cent of any tests, vaccines or treatments developed for use in poorer countries.

The draft also hints at reigniting an argument over intellectual property rights (IPRs) on vaccine formula. The draft says that it might ask countries to waive off IPRs on vaccines and life-saving drugs during pandemics to allow them wider access. Though the pharmaceutical industry is against the move.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/zoo-chief-accused-of-killing-4-goats-for-christmas-party-trading-off-a-zebra-to-buy-tools-558137">Zoo chief accused of killing 4 goats for Christmas party, trading off a Zebra to buy ‘tools’</a>

The draft also retains earlier provisions that could see pharmaceutical companies made to release details of any public contracts for vaccines and treatments during such global health emergencies.

The agreement is known as the Pandemic Treaty which has been drawn by WHO members and will now go through a lengthy negotiating process before being finalised. The talks around the draft treaty will begin on February 27 and will continue till 2024. Member states have agreed that the treaty will be legally binding for those who sign up, but it is not clear how will it be enforced.&nbsp;

The above-mentioned draft was released on Wednesday to all member states and non-governmental organisations and contains numerous measures to ensure the world's response that the next pandemic is not only robust but more equitable.&nbsp;

"It is a once-in-a-generation chance to make a paradigm shift in the protection and improvement of the health of the world's people,"&nbsp;WHO spokesperson Fadela Chaib said of the accord.

The draft begins by saying it is being drawn up "in recognition of the catastrophic failure of the international community in showing solidarity and equity in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic".

Watch |&nbsp;Potential vaccine breakthroughs in 2023

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"The 'accord' should build on the private sector's strengths for innovative R&amp;D, quick manufacturing scaling up and distribution, which is built on a robust intellectual property system," said Thomas Cueni, director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations.

The draft also features a new WHO Global Pandemic Supply Chain and Logistics Network to ensure better and more fair distribution of counter-measures.

It also proposes the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System, which urges countries to share pathogens and genomic sequences "within hours".

Diagnostics, treatments and vaccines developed from the data should be shared fairly, including a provision that the WHO gets 20 per cent of any production, 10 per cent&nbsp;as a donation and the rest at affordable prices, for use in developing countries, the document suggests.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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According to an early draft of a global pandemic agreement, World Health Organization (WHO) may ask governments to reserve drugs and vaccines in order to distribute them in poorer countries.

According to an early draft of a global pandemic agreement, World Health Organization (WHO) may ask governments to reserve drugs and vaccines in order to distribute them in poorer countries. This step could be taken to avoid a repeat of the 'catastrophic failure' during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Reuters, one of the most concrete proposals in the draft accord includes a measure to reserve 20 per cent of any tests, vaccines or treatments developed for use in poorer countries. The draft also hints at reigniting an argument over intellectual property rights (IPRs) on vaccine formula. The draft says that it might ask countries to waive off IPRs on vaccines and life-saving drugs during pandemics to allow them wider access. Though the pharmaceutical industry is against the move. Also Read | Zoo chief accused of killing 4 goats for Christmas party, trading off a Zebra to buy ‘tools’ The draft also retains earlier provisions that could see pharmaceutical companies made to release details of any public contracts for vaccines and treatments during such global health emergencies. The agreement is known as the Pandemic Treaty which has been drawn by WHO members and will now go through a lengthy negotiating process before being finalised. The talks around the draft treaty will begin on February 27 and will continue till 2024. Member states have agreed that the treaty will be legally binding for those who sign up, but it is not clear how will it be enforced. The above-mentioned draft was released on Wednesday to all member states and non-governmental organisations and contains numerous measures to ensure the world's response that the next pandemic is not only robust but more equitable. "It is a once-in-a-generation chance to make a paradigm shift in the protection and improvement of the health of the world's people," WHO spokesperson Fadela Chaib said of the accord. The draft begins by saying it is being drawn up "in recognition of the catastrophic failure of the international community in showing solidarity and equity in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic". Watch | Potential vaccine breakthroughs in 2023 × "The 'accord' should build on the private sector's strengths for innovative R&D, quick manufacturing scaling up and distribution, which is built on a robust intellectual property system," said Thomas Cueni, director general of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. The draft also features a new WHO Global Pandemic Supply Chain and Logistics Network to ensure better and more fair distribution of counter-measures. It also proposes the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System, which urges countries to share pathogens and genomic sequences "within hours". Diagnostics, treatments and vaccines developed from the data should be shared fairly, including a provision that the WHO gets 20 per cent of any production, 10 per cent as a donation and the rest at affordable prices, for use in developing countries, the document suggests. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO may ask countries to reserve vaccines for poor to prevent ‘catastrophic failure’ like Covid

The World Health Organisation (WHO) criticised China for the “very narrow” definition of COVID-19 deaths and said that the government has not revealed the true impact of the new infections.&nbsp;"We believe that the current numbers being published from China under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths," the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan told reporters.

Earlier, WHO&nbsp;officials met with a team of Chinese scientists on Tuesday in order to verify the accuracy of China’s COVID-19 data and the latest growth in infections, said an AFP report. The Communist Party of China’s mouthpiece newspaper claimed on Wednesday that the country is pushing for a “final victory” over the pandemic but the numbers are telling a completely different story.

The number of Covid cases skyrocketed after relaxation of restrictions in China and in the past few weeks, the hospitals in various parts of the country have been full with patients of all ages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-offshoot-to-xbb15-may-cause-new-covid-spike-in-the-us-confirms-cdc-549368">Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC</a>

The United Nations has already asked the scientists in China to submit independent data in order to get a clear picture of the situation in China. According to Reuters, the WHO has not received any data from China regarding the COVID-19 cases since the shift in policy by the Chinese government.

Chinese President Xi Jinping implemented the strict Zero Covid policy in an attempt to control the infection but in the face of nationwide protests, the government decided to relax some restrictions.

WATCH |&nbsp;China: Covid-19 cases on the rise, WHO urges to share real-time data

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According to local media reports, China had just five deaths related to Covid and around 5258 infections. That is a number which is lesser than the average toll seen in the last six months.

The strict restrictions also had a massive impact on the Chinese economy which is currently valued at $17 trillion. However, with the economy opening up, the Chinese yuan is currently going at a four-month high against the United States Dollar as the manufacturing units also resumed operations. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) criticised China for the “very narrow” definition of COVID-19 deaths and said that the government has not revealed the true impact of the new infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) criticised China for the “very narrow” definition of COVID-19 deaths and said that the government has not revealed the true impact of the new infections. "We believe that the current numbers being published from China under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths," the WHO's emergencies director Michael Ryan told reporters. Earlier, WHO officials met with a team of Chinese scientists on Tuesday in order to verify the accuracy of China’s COVID-19 data and the latest growth in infections, said an AFP report. The Communist Party of China’s mouthpiece newspaper claimed on Wednesday that the country is pushing for a “final victory” over the pandemic but the numbers are telling a completely different story. The number of Covid cases skyrocketed after relaxation of restrictions in China and in the past few weeks, the hospitals in various parts of the country have been full with patients of all ages. Also read | Omicron offshoot XBB.1.5 may cause new Covid spike in the US, confirms CDC The United Nations has already asked the scientists in China to submit independent data in order to get a clear picture of the situation in China. According to Reuters, the WHO has not received any data from China regarding the COVID-19 cases since the shift in policy by the Chinese government. Chinese President Xi Jinping implemented the strict Zero Covid policy in an attempt to control the infection but in the face of nationwide protests, the government decided to relax some restrictions. WATCH | China: Covid-19 cases on the rise, WHO urges to share real-time data According to local media reports, China had just five deaths related to Covid and around 5258 infections. That is a number which is lesser than the average toll seen in the last six months. The strict restrictions also had a massive impact on the Chinese economy which is currently valued at $17 trillion. However, with the economy opening up, the Chinese yuan is currently going at a four-month high against the United States Dollar as the manufacturing units also resumed operations. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO says data provided by China ‘under-represents’ true impact of Covid outbreak

The World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his concerns regarding the massive increase in COVID-19 cases in China. During a press briefing, the head of the United Nations body said that the WHO is focused on helping governments all around the world in their fight against the infection and the first step will be to make sure that everyone is completely vaccinated.&nbsp;

"The WHO is very concerned over the evolving situation in China, with increasing reports of severe disease," Ghebreyesus told reporters during the briefing according to Reuters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-continue-improving-combat-readiness-of-nuclear-forces-says-vladimir-putin-545223">Russia to continue improving combat readiness of nuclear forces, says Putin</a>

In the past few weeks, the number of cases has gone up considerably in China and that has also coincided with the government relaxing a number of strict restrictions. The latest set of lockdowns in China resulted in widespread protests and in the face of international pressure, the Communist Party of China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping decided to go back to the Zero Covid policy.&nbsp;

Tedros told reporters that the WHO is still waiting for a detailed report regarding the current situation in China and once the details are clear, the agency will be working on a comprehensive counterplan.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-exhausted-doctor-collapses-while-attending-patients-amid-chinas-covid-surge-545169">WATCH: Exhausted doctor collapses while attending Covid patients in China</a>

WHO's emergencies director Mike Ryan said that it is a possibility that China is struggling to keep a tab on the total number of infections with irregular testing since the relaxation of the rules.&nbsp;

"In China, what's been reported is relatively low numbers of cases in ICUs, but anecdotally ICUs are filling up. I wouldn't like to say that China is actively not telling us what's going on. I think they're behind the curve," he said in a press conference according to a report by Associated Press.

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The World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his concerns regarding the massive increase in COVID-19 cases in China. During a press briefing, the head of the United Nations body said that the WHO is focused on helping governments all around the world in their fight against the infection and the first step will be to make sure that everyone is completely vaccinated.

The World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed his concerns regarding the massive increase in COVID-19 cases in China. During a press briefing, the head of the United Nations body said that the WHO is focused on helping governments all around the world in their fight against the infection and the first step will be to make sure that everyone is completely vaccinated. "The WHO is very concerned over the evolving situation in China, with increasing reports of severe disease," Ghebreyesus told reporters during the briefing according to Reuters. Also read | Russia to continue improving combat readiness of nuclear forces, says Putin In the past few weeks, the number of cases has gone up considerably in China and that has also coincided with the government relaxing a number of strict restrictions. The latest set of lockdowns in China resulted in widespread protests and in the face of international pressure, the Communist Party of China under the leadership of President Xi Jinping decided to go back to the Zero Covid policy. Tedros told reporters that the WHO is still waiting for a detailed report regarding the current situation in China and once the details are clear, the agency will be working on a comprehensive counterplan. Also read | WATCH: Exhausted doctor collapses while attending Covid patients in China WHO's emergencies director Mike Ryan said that it is a possibility that China is struggling to keep a tab on the total number of infections with irregular testing since the relaxation of the rules. "In China, what's been reported is relatively low numbers of cases in ICUs, but anecdotally ICUs are filling up. I wouldn't like to say that China is actively not telling us what's going on. I think they're behind the curve," he said in a press conference according to a report by Associated Press.

WHO chief 'very concerned' with rising number of COVID-19 cases in China

The samples of cough syrup that were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia were found to be complying with the required specifications, India told World Health Organisation on Thursday, adding, that Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma fulfilled the required safety criteria.&nbsp;

The Drugs Controller General of India said that&nbsp;WHO drew a premature link between the deaths of children in Gambia and the four India-made cough syrups which adversely impacted the image of the country's pharmaceutical products across the globe.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gambia-cough-syrup-deaths-after-whos-alert-indian-govts-crackdown-on-maiden-pharma-524790">Gambia cough syrup deaths: After WHO's alert, Indian govt's crackdown on Maiden Pharma</a>

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As a matter of precaution, Indian health authorities had directed and subsequently implemented a production halt&nbsp;at Maiden Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing plant, after a WHO statement, now deemed 'premature', drew a link between the deaths of 69 children in Gambia with consumption of cough syrup made by New Delhi-headquartered company.&nbsp;

What did WHO allege?

In a letter to the WHO dated December 13, India's drugs controller general, V.G. Somani, said that tests on samples of Maiden Pharma's products "have been found to be complying with specifications" and showed the samples were not contaminated with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol.

Gambia's Medicines Control Agency is yet to pinpoint the exact cause of deaths. The primary medical reports cited by Gambia's police said that 69 children died of "acute kidney injury".

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committee-to-who-information-on-killer-cough-syrups-inadequate-525793">India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate'</a>

The WHO's statement in October, linking the deaths to the cough syrup manufactured in India, caused "irreparable damage" to the country's supply chain of pharmaceutical products, Somani said in the Dec. 13 letter, addressed to Roderigo Gaspar, director, regulation and prequalification, at WHO.

The DCGI said India has been committed to rigorous monitoring and oversight to ensure that the highest standards of manufacture are maintained in the quality control of drugs and cosmetics.

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The samples of cough syrup that were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia were found to be complying with the required specifications, India told World Health Organisation on Thursday, adding, that Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma fulfilled the required safety criteria.

The samples of cough syrup that were linked to the deaths of children in Gambia were found to be complying with the required specifications, India told World Health Organisation on Thursday, adding, that Indian pharmaceutical company Maiden Pharma fulfilled the required safety criteria. The Drugs Controller General of India said that WHO drew a premature link between the deaths of children in Gambia and the four India-made cough syrups which adversely impacted the image of the country's pharmaceutical products across the globe. WATCH | Gambia cough syrup deaths: After WHO's alert, Indian govt's crackdown on Maiden Pharma × As a matter of precaution, Indian health authorities had directed and subsequently implemented a production halt at Maiden Pharmaceuticals' manufacturing plant, after a WHO statement, now deemed 'premature', drew a link between the deaths of 69 children in Gambia with consumption of cough syrup made by New Delhi-headquartered company. What did WHO allege? In a letter to the WHO dated December 13, India's drugs controller general, V.G. Somani, said that tests on samples of Maiden Pharma's products "have been found to be complying with specifications" and showed the samples were not contaminated with ethylene glycol and diethylene glycol. Gambia's Medicines Control Agency is yet to pinpoint the exact cause of deaths. The primary medical reports cited by Gambia's police said that 69 children died of "acute kidney injury". ALSO READ | India committee tells WHO: Information on 'killer' cough syrups 'inadequate' The WHO's statement in October, linking the deaths to the cough syrup manufactured in India, caused "irreparable damage" to the country's supply chain of pharmaceutical products, Somani said in the Dec. 13 letter, addressed to Roderigo Gaspar, director, regulation and prequalification, at WHO. The DCGI said India has been committed to rigorous monitoring and oversight to ensure that the highest standards of manufacture are maintained in the quality control of drugs and cosmetics. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WHO drew 'premature link' between Gambia deaths and India-made cough syrups

One of the most pressing environmental issues today is air pollution. According to the World Health Organisation, every year air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide. This video shows how a family in Poland struggles to live in the polluted air.

WION Climate Tracker: Air pollution chokes Poland, families use wood to cook food | English News

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to rename Monkeypox to mpox in English to avoid the stigma existing to the current name. In the past year, the name has sparked a lot of controversy for the alleged racial undertone and its usage as a slur in various parts of the world.

The name “Monkeypox” was given in Denmark back in 1958 after the virus was identified in monkeys during research. While the name can suggest that it is found mostly in monkeys, the virus is actually found in several animals with rodents accounting for the most cases every year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-forces-with-ulterior-motives-are-linking-urumqi-fire-with-covid-curbs-538123">Beijing blames 'forces with ulterior motives' for fuelling rage in the country</a>

"Following a series of consultations with global experts, WHO will begin using a new preferred term 'mpox' as a synonym for monkeypox. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while 'monkeypox' is phased out," the United Nations health agency said in its official statement.

"WHO will adopt the term mpox in its communications, and encourages others to follow these recommendations, to minimise any ongoing negative impact of the current name and from adoption of the new name," the statement added according to a report by AFP.

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The first human case was found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and due to the huge rise of cases in Africa, the name became a topic of controversy. Later, the cases were found outside Africa and in the past year, a number of countries in Europe have also seen a huge surge in infections.

According to official data, more than 81,000 cases have been reported in 2022 from 110 countries.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to rename Monkeypox to mpox in English to avoid the stigma existing to the current name. In the past year, the name has sparked a lot of controversy for the alleged racial undertone and its usage as a slur in various parts of the world.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decided to rename Monkeypox to mpox in English to avoid the stigma existing to the current name. In the past year, the name has sparked a lot of controversy for the alleged racial undertone and its usage as a slur in various parts of the world. The name “Monkeypox” was given in Denmark back in 1958 after the virus was identified in monkeys during research. While the name can suggest that it is found mostly in monkeys, the virus is actually found in several animals with rodents accounting for the most cases every year. Also read | Beijing blames 'forces with ulterior motives' for fuelling rage in the country "Following a series of consultations with global experts, WHO will begin using a new preferred term 'mpox' as a synonym for monkeypox. Both names will be used simultaneously for one year while 'monkeypox' is phased out," the United Nations health agency said in its official statement. "WHO will adopt the term mpox in its communications, and encourages others to follow these recommendations, to minimise any ongoing negative impact of the current name and from adoption of the new name," the statement added according to a report by AFP. Also read | Europol takes down cocaine 'super cartel' with six major arrests in Dubai The first human case was found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and due to the huge rise of cases in Africa, the name became a topic of controversy. Later, the cases were found outside Africa and in the past year, a number of countries in Europe have also seen a huge surge in infections. According to official data, more than 81,000 cases have been reported in 2022 from 110 countries.

WHO to use new preferred term ‘mpox’ for ‘Monkeypox’ virus to avoid stigma

Tuberculosis&nbsp;has rebounded after years of decline, killing an estimated 1.6 million people in 2021, up 14 percent in two years, new World Health Organization figures showed Thursday.

TB, which was overtaken by Covid-19 during the worst of the pandemic as the world's biggest infectious killer, claimed an estimated 1.5 million lives in 2020 and 1.4 million in 2019.

And the WHO blamed the resurgence of the disease on the pandemic, saying the crisis had had a huge and ongoing impact on access to diagnosis and treatment.

"Globally, the annual estimated number of deaths from TB fell between 2005 and 2019, but the estimates for 2020 and 2021 suggest that this trend has been reversed," the UN's health agency said in its annual Global TB report.

Most of the estimated increase in TB deaths globally was accounted for by four countries: India, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines.

The report said it was possible that TB would "once again be the leading cause of death worldwide from a single infectious agent, replacing Covid-19".

But Mel Spigelman, president of the non-profit TB Alliance, told AFP last week that that had already happened, comparing the annual TB death rate to the latest Covid-19 figures.

An estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2021 -- a 4.5 percent increase on 2020, the WHO said.

"This is the first time in many years an increase has been reported in the number of people falling ill with TB and drug resistant TB," the WHO said.

And the incidence rate -- new cases per 100,000 population per year -- increased by 3.6 percent between 2020 and 2021, after declining by around two percent a year for most of the last two decades.

Progress dented

"The overarching finding of this report is that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a damaging impact on access to TB diagnosis and treatment and the burden of TB disease," the WHO update said.

"Progress made in the years up to 2019 has slowed, stalled or reversed, and global TB targets are off track.

"Intensified efforts backed by increased funding are urgently required to mitigate and reverse the negative impacts of the pandemic on TB."

Tuberculosis&nbsp;is caused by a bacteria that most often affects the lungs.&nbsp;Like Covid, it is transmitted via the air by infected people, for example by coughing. It is preventable and curable.

The WHO said conflicts around the world, the global energy crisis and associated risks to food security were likely to worsen the situation further.

"The top priority is to restore access to and provision of essential TB services, so that levels of TB case detection and treatment can recover to at least 2019 levels," the report said.

Eight countries accounted for more than two thirds of the global total of cases: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

"If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that with solidarity, determination, innovation and the equitable use of tools, we can overcome severe health threats," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Let's apply those lessons to&nbsp;tuberculosis. It is time to put a stop to this long-time killer. Working together, we can end TB."

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Tuberculosis has rebounded after years of decline, killing an estimated 1.6 million people in 2021, up 14 percent in two years, new World Health Organization figures showed Thursday.

Tuberculosis has rebounded after years of decline, killing an estimated 1.6 million people in 2021, up 14 percent in two years, new World Health Organization figures showed Thursday. TB, which was overtaken by Covid-19 during the worst of the pandemic as the world's biggest infectious killer, claimed an estimated 1.5 million lives in 2020 and 1.4 million in 2019. And the WHO blamed the resurgence of the disease on the pandemic, saying the crisis had had a huge and ongoing impact on access to diagnosis and treatment. "Globally, the annual estimated number of deaths from TB fell between 2005 and 2019, but the estimates for 2020 and 2021 suggest that this trend has been reversed," the UN's health agency said in its annual Global TB report. Most of the estimated increase in TB deaths globally was accounted for by four countries: India, Indonesia, Myanmar and the Philippines. The report said it was possible that TB would "once again be the leading cause of death worldwide from a single infectious agent, replacing Covid-19". But Mel Spigelman, president of the non-profit TB Alliance, told AFP last week that that had already happened, comparing the annual TB death rate to the latest Covid-19 figures. An estimated 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2021 -- a 4.5 percent increase on 2020, the WHO said. "This is the first time in many years an increase has been reported in the number of people falling ill with TB and drug resistant TB," the WHO said. And the incidence rate -- new cases per 100,000 population per year -- increased by 3.6 percent between 2020 and 2021, after declining by around two percent a year for most of the last two decades. Progress dented "The overarching finding of this report is that the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a damaging impact on access to TB diagnosis and treatment and the burden of TB disease," the WHO update said. "Progress made in the years up to 2019 has slowed, stalled or reversed, and global TB targets are off track. "Intensified efforts backed by increased funding are urgently required to mitigate and reverse the negative impacts of the pandemic on TB." Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria that most often affects the lungs. Like Covid, it is transmitted via the air by infected people, for example by coughing. It is preventable and curable. The WHO said conflicts around the world, the global energy crisis and associated risks to food security were likely to worsen the situation further. "The top priority is to restore access to and provision of essential TB services, so that levels of TB case detection and treatment can recover to at least 2019 levels," the report said. Eight countries accounted for more than two thirds of the global total of cases: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh and the Democratic Republic of Congo. "If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that with solidarity, determination, innovation and the equitable use of tools, we can overcome severe health threats," said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. "Let's apply those lessons to tuberculosis. It is time to put a stop to this long-time killer. Working together, we can end TB." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tuberculosis firmly on the rise after years of decline: WHO

Raising the alarm Saturday about a “second disaster” in the wake of the deadly floods in Pakistan this summer, the World Health Organization expressed concerns about a wave of disease.

WHO’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “I am deeply concerned about the potential for a second disaster in Pakistan: a wave of disease and death following this catastrophe, linked to climate change, that has severely impacted vital health systems leaving millions vulnerable.”

Following the fatal floods in Pakistan, doctors and medical workers on the ground are racing to battle outbreaks of waterborne and other diseases.

While the dirty and stagnant waters have become breeding grounds for mosquitos, displaced people are living in tents and makeshift camps and are increasingly facing the threat of gastrointestinal infections.

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Inundating millions of acres of land, the floods killed 1,545 people across Pakistan and the unprecedented monsoon rains were linked to climate change.

Urging donors to continue to respond generously so that more lives can be saved, Tedros also said that nearly 2,000 health facilities have been fully or partially damaged in Pakistan.

In order to attend the first fully in-person gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly since the coronavirus pandemic, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif left for New York on Saturday.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority. floods have damaged 1.8 million homes and destroyed nearly 400 bridges.

After visiting Sindh’s flood-hit areas, the representative of the UN children’s agency in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil said an estimated 16 million children had been impacted by the floods.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Raising the alarm Saturday about a “second disaster” in the wake of the deadly floods in Pakistan this summer, the World Health Organization expressed concerns about a wave of disease.

Raising the alarm Saturday about a “second disaster” in the wake of the deadly floods in Pakistan this summer, the World Health Organization expressed concerns about a wave of disease. WHO’s director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said “I am deeply concerned about the potential for a second disaster in Pakistan: a wave of disease and death following this catastrophe, linked to climate change, that has severely impacted vital health systems leaving millions vulnerable.” Following the fatal floods in Pakistan, doctors and medical workers on the ground are racing to battle outbreaks of waterborne and other diseases. While the dirty and stagnant waters have become breeding grounds for mosquitos, displaced people are living in tents and makeshift camps and are increasingly facing the threat of gastrointestinal infections. × Inundating millions of acres of land, the floods killed 1,545 people across Pakistan and the unprecedented monsoon rains were linked to climate change. Urging donors to continue to respond generously so that more lives can be saved, Tedros also said that nearly 2,000 health facilities have been fully or partially damaged in Pakistan. In order to attend the first fully in-person gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly since the coronavirus pandemic, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif left for New York on Saturday. According to the National Disaster Management Authority. floods have damaged 1.8 million homes and destroyed nearly 400 bridges. After visiting Sindh’s flood-hit areas, the representative of the UN children’s agency in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil said an estimated 16 million children had been impacted by the floods. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

WHO raises alarm about 'second disaster' in wake of deadly floods in Pakistan

A senior World Health Organization director has been placed on leave, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, following staff accusations of bullying and other complaints.

"The Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region, Dr Takeshi Kasai, is on leave," a WHO official said in emailed comments, without giving details.

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Two WHO sources confirmed to Reuters that the decision to place Kasai, a physician from Japan who has worked at the body for more than 15 years, on administrative leave was related to an ongoing investigation into various staff complaints.

Kasai was not immediately available for comment. An e-mail sent to the WHO Western Pacific office in Manila was forwarded to the headquarters in Geneva.

The Associated Press reported in January that the complaints included allegations of racist language and of sharing confidential vaccine data with Japan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-monkeypox-death-reported-in-us-in-severely-immunocompromised-patient-511621">First monkeypox death reported in US in 'severely immunocompromised' patient</a>

Kasai, who became the WHO regional director in February 2019, has previously acknowledged being "hard on staff" but rejected the other charges.

He is temporarily being replaced by the U.N. health agency's number 2, Zsuzsanna Jakab, the WHO official added.

A senior World Health Organization director has been placed on leave, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, following staff accusations of bullying and other complaints.

A senior World Health Organization director has been placed on leave, a spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, following staff accusations of bullying and other complaints. "The Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region, Dr Takeshi Kasai, is on leave," a WHO official said in emailed comments, without giving details. Also read | Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet president who ended cold war, dies aged 91 Two WHO sources confirmed to Reuters that the decision to place Kasai, a physician from Japan who has worked at the body for more than 15 years, on administrative leave was related to an ongoing investigation into various staff complaints. Kasai was not immediately available for comment. An e-mail sent to the WHO Western Pacific office in Manila was forwarded to the headquarters in Geneva. The Associated Press reported in January that the complaints included allegations of racist language and of sharing confidential vaccine data with Japan. Also read | First monkeypox death reported in US in 'severely immunocompromised' patient Kasai, who became the WHO regional director in February 2019, has previously acknowledged being "hard on staff" but rejected the other charges. He is temporarily being replaced by the U.N. health agency's number 2, Zsuzsanna Jakab, the WHO official added.

WHO Asia director placed on leave amid bullying accusations: Report

Two cases of the deadly Marburg virus have been identified in Ghana. As per health authorities, this is the first time that this Ebola-like disease has been found in a West African nation. Blood tests collected from two victims in the southern Ashanti area earlier this month revealed the Marburg virus. As per an AFP report, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported that the samples were submitted to the Pasteur Institute in Senegal, which confirmed the diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda have seen previous outbreaks and isolated cases of Marburg.

According to the GHS statement, 98 individuals who have been identified as contact cases are presently quarantined. It also stated that no more Marburg cases have been found in Ghana.

Watch |&nbsp;More than 1.4 billion people at heightened risk of deadly disease: WHO report

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Let's take a look at the disease, its symptoms and treatments for Marburg:

What is the Marburg virus?

As per&nbsp;WHO,&nbsp;the Marburg virus is similar&nbsp;to the Ebola virus and causes Marburg virus disease (MVD). The disease&nbsp;kills around one out of every two afflicted people.

Following studies on imported African green monkeys, the virus&nbsp;was first identified in 1967 in Germany and the former Yugoslavia.

What are its symptoms?

The time from infection to the start of symptoms, or incubation period for Marburg, ranges from 2 to 21 days.

As per WHO, the Marburg virus causes sudden onset illness characterised by a high temperature, excruciating headaches, and severe fatigue. Another typical symptom is aches and pains in the muscles. On the third day, severe watery diarrhoea, cramps and discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting can be there.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/which-are-the-deadliest-viruses-of-21st-century-486963">Which are the deadliest viruses of 21st century?</a>

Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, and fatal cases typically have some sort of bleeding, often from numerous sites. Bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina frequently accompanies fresh blood in vomit&nbsp;and faeces.

Is it fatal?

The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent that, with proper patient care, can be significantly lower.

Depending on the virus strain and case treatment, fatality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24 to 88 per cent in past outbreaks, according to the WHO.

Death in fatal instances often occurs 8 to 9 days after the beginning of symptoms and is typically preceded by significant blood loss and shock.

Transmission

Prolonged exposure to mines or caves where Rousettus bat colonies are present was earlier the primary cause of human MVD infection.

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It can also be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other body fluids of infected persons, as well as with surfaces and things contaminated with these fluids.

Healthcare professionals caring for infected people are also at risk. Direct contact with an infected person's corpse during funeral rites has also been linked to the spread of Marburg.

As long as the virus is present in a person's blood, they are contagious.

Treatment

There are currently no authorized vaccinations or antiviral medications for MVD. However, supportive care, such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of symptoms, increase the chances of&nbsp;survival.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two cases of the deadly Marburg virus have been identified in Ghana. As per health authorities, this is the first time that this Ebola-like disease has been found in a West African nation.

Two cases of the deadly Marburg virus have been identified in Ghana. As per health authorities, this is the first time that this Ebola-like disease has been found in a West African nation. Blood tests collected from two victims in the southern Ashanti area earlier this month revealed the Marburg virus. As per an AFP report, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) reported that the samples were submitted to the Pasteur Institute in Senegal, which confirmed the diagnosis. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda have seen previous outbreaks and isolated cases of Marburg. According to the GHS statement, 98 individuals who have been identified as contact cases are presently quarantined. It also stated that no more Marburg cases have been found in Ghana. Watch | More than 1.4 billion people at heightened risk of deadly disease: WHO report Let's take a look at the disease, its symptoms and treatments for Marburg: What is the Marburg virus? As per WHO, the Marburg virus is similar to the Ebola virus and causes Marburg virus disease (MVD). The disease kills around one out of every two afflicted people. Following studies on imported African green monkeys, the virus was first identified in 1967 in Germany and the former Yugoslavia. What are its symptoms? The time from infection to the start of symptoms, or incubation period for Marburg, ranges from 2 to 21 days. As per WHO, the Marburg virus causes sudden onset illness characterised by a high temperature, excruciating headaches, and severe fatigue. Another typical symptom is aches and pains in the muscles. On the third day, severe watery diarrhoea, cramps and discomfort in the abdomen, nausea, and vomiting can be there. Also read | Which are the deadliest viruses of 21st century? Many patients develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms between 5 and 7 days, and fatal cases typically have some sort of bleeding, often from numerous sites. Bleeding from the nose, gums, and vagina frequently accompanies fresh blood in vomit and faeces. Is it fatal? The disease has a case fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent that, with proper patient care, can be significantly lower. Depending on the virus strain and case treatment, fatality rates in confirmed cases have ranged from 24 to 88 per cent in past outbreaks, according to the WHO. Death in fatal instances often occurs 8 to 9 days after the beginning of symptoms and is typically preceded by significant blood loss and shock. Transmission Prolonged exposure to mines or caves where Rousettus bat colonies are present was earlier the primary cause of human MVD infection. Also read | New York: People queue up in long lines for monkeypox vaccine It can also be transmitted from person to person through direct contact with the blood, secretions or other body fluids of infected persons, as well as with surfaces and things contaminated with these fluids. Healthcare professionals caring for infected people are also at risk. Direct contact with an infected person's corpse during funeral rites has also been linked to the spread of Marburg. As long as the virus is present in a person's blood, they are contagious. Treatment There are currently no authorized vaccinations or antiviral medications for MVD. However, supportive care, such as rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids, and treatment of symptoms, increase the chances of survival. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ghana reports 2 deaths from Marburg, which has fatality rate of 88%. Here are its symptoms, treatment & more

With more countries coming under the grip of the monkeypox outbreak, the World Health Network (WHN), an independent coalition of scientists formed to tackle the COVID-19 threat, has declared the disease a pandemic.&nbsp;The WHN said that the essential purpose of declaring a pandemic is to achieve a concerted effort across multiple countries or over the world to prevent widespread harm.&nbsp;An infection is declared pandemic when it grows over a wide area, crossing international boundaries, and usually affecting a large number of people.

There are 3,417 confirmed monkeypox cases reported across 58 countries and the outbreak is rapidly expanding across multiple continents, it said in a statement.

The announcement comes ahead of the World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting which is currently taking place (June 23) to decide on monkeypox outbreak designation.

“There is no justification to wait for the monkeypox pandemic to grow further. The best time to act is now. By taking immediate action, we can control the outbreak with the least effort, and prevent consequences from becoming worse,” said Yaneer Bar-Yam, PhD, President of New England Complex System Institute and co-founder of WHN.&nbsp;

“The actions needed now only require clear public communication about symptoms, widely available testing, and contact tracing with very few quarantines. Any delay only makes the effort harder and the consequences more severe.”

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/monkeypox-outbreaks-list-of-countries-where-cases-found-recently-will-it-be-like-covid-19-pandemic-480924">Monkeypox outbreaks: A list of countries that recorded cases recently. Will it be like COVID-19 pandemic?</a>

Even with death rates much lower than smallpox, unless actions are taken to stop the ongoing spread—actions that can be practically implemented—millions of people will die and many more will become blind and disabled, it said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-virus-cdc-issues-sex-guidelines-on-monkeypox-why-india-should-get-battle-ready-for-monkeypox-490589">Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox</a>

Based on evidences, monkeypox has been found to be spreading through many different routes of transmission, including physical contact (touching an infected individual, especially the rash / postules), contact with contaminated clothing, bedding and objects, breathing airborne particles, and intimate contact/sex.

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With more countries coming under the grip of the monkeypox outbreak, the World Health Network (WHN), an independent coalition of scientists formed to tackle the COVID-19 threat, has declared the disease a pandemic.

With more countries coming under the grip of the monkeypox outbreak, the World Health Network (WHN), an independent coalition of scientists formed to tackle the COVID-19 threat, has declared the disease a pandemic. The WHN said that the essential purpose of declaring a pandemic is to achieve a concerted effort across multiple countries or over the world to prevent widespread harm. An infection is declared pandemic when it grows over a wide area, crossing international boundaries, and usually affecting a large number of people. There are 3,417 confirmed monkeypox cases reported across 58 countries and the outbreak is rapidly expanding across multiple continents, it said in a statement. The announcement comes ahead of the World Health Organisation (WHO) meeting which is currently taking place (June 23) to decide on monkeypox outbreak designation. “There is no justification to wait for the monkeypox pandemic to grow further. The best time to act is now. By taking immediate action, we can control the outbreak with the least effort, and prevent consequences from becoming worse,” said Yaneer Bar-Yam, PhD, President of New England Complex System Institute and co-founder of WHN. “The actions needed now only require clear public communication about symptoms, widely available testing, and contact tracing with very few quarantines. Any delay only makes the effort harder and the consequences more severe.” Also see | Monkeypox outbreaks: A list of countries that recorded cases recently. Will it be like COVID-19 pandemic? Even with death rates much lower than smallpox, unless actions are taken to stop the ongoing spread—actions that can be practically implemented—millions of people will die and many more will become blind and disabled, it said. Also see | Monkeypox Virus: CDC issues sex guidelines on Monkeypox. Why India should get battle ready for Monkeypox Based on evidences, monkeypox has been found to be spreading through many different routes of transmission, including physical contact (touching an infected individual, especially the rash / postules), contact with contaminated clothing, bedding and objects, breathing airborne particles, and intimate contact/sex. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Monkeypox a pandemic, declares World Health Network

The World Health Organization will be deciding whether the monkeypox outbreak will be considered a public health emergency of international concern in an emergency meeting next week. Till now, there have been 1600 confirmed cases and around 1500 suspected cases of monkeypox around the world this year. In 39 countries, the monkeypox virus has claimed 72 deaths and according to Reuters, the WHO can issue the highest level of warning for the virus. Right now, that level of warning is only prevalent for the polio virus and also the COVID-19 pandemic. "We don't want to wait until the situation is out of control," said emergencies director for Africa, Ibrahima Socé Fall.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-july-plans-to-meet-with-mohammed-bin-salman-488137" hreflang="en">Joe Biden to visit Saudi Arabia in July, to meet with Mohammed bin Salman</a>

According to the WHO data, there have been no deaths outside Africa till now, but the fatality percentage remain around 3-6 per cent for the virus. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom made it clear that the organisation will be taking the decision in the meeting next week.

Meanwhile, there have been a lot of talk about the name of the virus and Tedros said that WHO are looking to change it as quickly as possible. According to the Reuters report, WHO are currently in talks with their partners about the matter and that is a top priority for them along with the vaccines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-uk-government-not-deterred-by-criticism-of-rwanda-deportation-policy-488127" hreflang="en">Boris Johnson says UK government 'not deterred' by criticism of Rwanda deportation policy</a>

New guidelines for the monkeypox virus and vaccination were released earlier this week and according to Reuters, some of the countries are currently vaccinating their emergency workers with smallpox vaccines. Smallpox has been extinct for some time and the vaccine is being used right now.

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(With inputs from agencies)

The World Health Organization will be deciding whether the monkeypox outbreak will be considered a public health emergency of international concern in an emergency meeting next week.

The World Health Organization will be deciding whether the monkeypox outbreak will be considered a public health emergency of international concern in an emergency meeting next week. Till now, there have been 1600 confirmed cases and around 1500 suspected cases of monkeypox around the world this year. In 39 countries, the monkeypox virus has claimed 72 deaths and according to Reuters, the WHO can issue the highest level of warning for the virus. Right now, that level of warning is only prevalent for the polio virus and also the COVID-19 pandemic. "We don't want to wait until the situation is out of control," said emergencies director for Africa, Ibrahima Socé Fall. Also read | Joe Biden to visit Saudi Arabia in July, to meet with Mohammed bin Salman According to the WHO data, there have been no deaths outside Africa till now, but the fatality percentage remain around 3-6 per cent for the virus. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom made it clear that the organisation will be taking the decision in the meeting next week. Meanwhile, there have been a lot of talk about the name of the virus and Tedros said that WHO are looking to change it as quickly as possible. According to the Reuters report, WHO are currently in talks with their partners about the matter and that is a top priority for them along with the vaccines. Also read | Boris Johnson says UK government 'not deterred' by criticism of Rwanda deportation policy New guidelines for the monkeypox virus and vaccination were released earlier this week and according to Reuters, some of the countries are currently vaccinating their emergency workers with smallpox vaccines. Smallpox has been extinct for some time and the vaccine is being used right now. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO to hold meeting over declaring monkeypox an international health emergency

Malawi&nbsp;said Thursday it will launch a nationwide&nbsp;polio&nbsp;vaccination campaign&nbsp;next&nbsp;month&nbsp;following the detection of its first case in 30 years and Africa's first in five years.

The southern African country announced the discovery of a wild poliovirus case a week ago in a four-year girl.

The child had not been fully immunised, according to the World Health Organization's representative in&nbsp;Malawi, Janet Kayita.

Authorities are now rushing to inoculate nearly three million children aged under five years.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-joint-commitment-who-unicef-launch-polio-vaccine-campaign-in-afghanistan-427657">'A joint commitment': WHO, UNICEF launch polio vaccine campaign in Afghanistan</a>

"The upcoming&nbsp;polio&nbsp;vaccination campaign in four weeks' time... will target around 2.9 million children across the country,"&nbsp;Malawi's health ministry director, Queen Dube, told AFP.

Malawi&nbsp;has placed an order of around 14 million doses of vaccines.

The vaccination is expected to extend beyond&nbsp;Malawi's borders, targeting selected districts in neighbouring countries, she said.

Dube said an emergency meeting of international health regulators was due on Monday and may recommend mandatory vaccination for travellers to&nbsp;Malawi&nbsp;to help curb the spread of the virus.

UNICEF's representative in&nbsp;Malawi, Rudolf Schwenk, on Tuesday described the&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;"a very serious situation".

"We have to collectively take quick action because it's a national emergency," he said at a news conference.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-can-end-in-2022-if-says-who-chief-ghebreyesus-amid-omicron-spread-441759">'COVID-19 can end in 2022, if…', says WHO chief Ghebreyesus amid Omicron spread</a>

President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a national health emergency.

Laboratory analysis showed that the detected strain is linked to one that has been circulating in Sindh Province in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Dube said it was "difficult" to establish how the Malawian child became infected.

Polio, an acutely contagious virus which attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children, remains endemic in Pakistan and its neighbour Afghanistan.

The disease can be prevented with a highly effective and very cheap vaccine.

Watch |&nbsp;WHO, UNICEF launch polio campaign in Afghanistan

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Africa was declared free of indigenous wild&nbsp;polio&nbsp;in August 2020&nbsp;after&nbsp;an exhaustive&nbsp;immunisation&nbsp;campaign.

No&nbsp;polio&nbsp;cases had occurred on the continent for the previous four years -- the threshold for eradication.

Malawi said Thursday it will launch a nationwide polio vaccination campaign next month following the detection of its first case in 30 years and Africa's first in five years.

Malawi said Thursday it will launch a nationwide polio vaccination campaign next month following the detection of its first case in 30 years and Africa's first in five years. The southern African country announced the discovery of a wild poliovirus case a week ago in a four-year girl. The child had not been fully immunised, according to the World Health Organization's representative in Malawi, Janet Kayita. Authorities are now rushing to inoculate nearly three million children aged under five years. Also read | 'A joint commitment': WHO, UNICEF launch polio vaccine campaign in Afghanistan "The upcoming polio vaccination campaign in four weeks' time... will target around 2.9 million children across the country," Malawi's health ministry director, Queen Dube, told AFP. Malawi has placed an order of around 14 million doses of vaccines. The vaccination is expected to extend beyond Malawi's borders, targeting selected districts in neighbouring countries, she said. Dube said an emergency meeting of international health regulators was due on Monday and may recommend mandatory vaccination for travellers to Malawi to help curb the spread of the virus. UNICEF's representative in Malawi, Rudolf Schwenk, on Tuesday described the outbreak "a very serious situation". "We have to collectively take quick action because it's a national emergency," he said at a news conference. Also read | 'COVID-19 can end in 2022, if…', says WHO chief Ghebreyesus amid Omicron spread President Lazarus Chakwera has declared a national health emergency. Laboratory analysis showed that the detected strain is linked to one that has been circulating in Sindh Province in Pakistan. Dube said it was "difficult" to establish how the Malawian child became infected. Polio, an acutely contagious virus which attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children, remains endemic in Pakistan and its neighbour Afghanistan. The disease can be prevented with a highly effective and very cheap vaccine. Watch | WHO, UNICEF launch polio campaign in Afghanistan Africa was declared free of indigenous wild polio in August 2020 after an exhaustive immunisation campaign. No polio cases had occurred on the continent for the previous four years -- the threshold for eradication.

Malawi polio immunisation starts next month after outbreak

Since the discovery of the Omicron variant in the Covid-19 virus, half a million deaths have been reported, according to the World Health Organization calling the toll "beyond tragic".

As of late November, 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths had been reported worldwide since Omicron was declared a variant of concern by the WHO.

Due to its more transmissible nature, it has quickly overtaken Delta as the world's dominant Covid variant, despite less severe symptoms.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-canada-new-zealand-truckers-protest-against-covid-vaccine-mandates-block-parliament-451554" hreflang="en">After Canada, New Zealand truckers protest against Covid vaccine mandates, block parliament</a>

"In the age of effective vaccines, half a million people dying, it's really something," Mahamud told a live interaction on the WHO's social media channels.

"While everyone was saying Omicron is milder, (they) missed the point that half a million people have died since this was detected," he said.

The sheer number of Omicron cases known to date is staggering, but the actual number is likely to be much higher, according to&nbsp;WHO representative Maria Van Kerkhove.

"It makes the previous peaks look almost flat," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-outbreak-caused-due-to-covid-transmission-from-hamsters-says-study-451521" hreflang="en">Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study</a>

"We're still in the middle of this pandemic," she said. "Many countries have not passed their peak of Omicron yet."

Van Kerkhove said she was extremely concerned about the increase in death rate for several weeks in a row.

"This virus continues to be dangerous," she said.

The WHO said in its weekly COVID-19 epidemiological update published later Tuesday that nearly 68,000 new deaths were reported last week, an increase of seven per cent over the previous week.&nbsp;In the meantime, the number of new weekly Covid cases decreased by 17 per cent to nearly 19.3 million.

Watch |&nbsp;DCGI grants emergency use permission to single-dose Sputnik Light Covid-19 vaccine

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/dcgi-grants-emergency-use-permission-to-single-dose-sputnik-light-covid-19-vaccine-451172/embed" width="560"></iframe>

The pandemic is currently "characterised by the continued rapid global spread of the Omicron variant," the report said, with the variant now detected "in almost all countries".

Over 96.7 per cent of the samples sequenced and uploaded to GISAID global science initiative came from Omicron in the past 30 days. Delta represents just 3.3 per cent.

Limited information is available regarding the efficacy of vaccines against Omicron, according to the report.

"However, available estimates show reduced protection of the primary series COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron variant for all outcomes (severe disease, symptomatic disease, and infection) than has been observed previously for other variants of concern," it said.

However, it added that booster shots "substantially" improve efficacy.

Since COVID-19 emerged in China in December 2019, over 5.7 million people have died, while over 392 million cases have been reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

Since the discovery of the Omicron variant in the Covid-19 virus, half a million deaths have been reported, according to the World Health Organization calling the toll "beyond tragic".

Since the discovery of the Omicron variant in the Covid-19 virus, half a million deaths have been reported, according to the World Health Organization calling the toll "beyond tragic". As of late November, 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths had been reported worldwide since Omicron was declared a variant of concern by the WHO. Due to its more transmissible nature, it has quickly overtaken Delta as the world's dominant Covid variant, despite less severe symptoms. Also read | After Canada, New Zealand truckers protest against Covid vaccine mandates, block parliament "In the age of effective vaccines, half a million people dying, it's really something," Mahamud told a live interaction on the WHO's social media channels. "While everyone was saying Omicron is milder, (they) missed the point that half a million people have died since this was detected," he said. The sheer number of Omicron cases known to date is staggering, but the actual number is likely to be much higher, according to WHO representative Maria Van Kerkhove. "It makes the previous peaks look almost flat," she said. Also read | Hong Kong outbreak caused due to Covid transmission from hamsters, says study "We're still in the middle of this pandemic," she said. "Many countries have not passed their peak of Omicron yet." Van Kerkhove said she was extremely concerned about the increase in death rate for several weeks in a row. "This virus continues to be dangerous," she said. The WHO said in its weekly COVID-19 epidemiological update published later Tuesday that nearly 68,000 new deaths were reported last week, an increase of seven per cent over the previous week. In the meantime, the number of new weekly Covid cases decreased by 17 per cent to nearly 19.3 million. Watch | DCGI grants emergency use permission to single-dose Sputnik Light Covid-19 vaccine The pandemic is currently "characterised by the continued rapid global spread of the Omicron variant," the report said, with the variant now detected "in almost all countries". Over 96.7 per cent of the samples sequenced and uploaded to GISAID global science initiative came from Omicron in the past 30 days. Delta represents just 3.3 per cent. Limited information is available regarding the efficacy of vaccines against Omicron, according to the report. "However, available estimates show reduced protection of the primary series COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron variant for all outcomes (severe disease, symptomatic disease, and infection) than has been observed previously for other variants of concern," it said. However, it added that booster shots "substantially" improve efficacy. Since COVID-19 emerged in China in December 2019, over 5.7 million people have died, while over 392 million cases have been reported. (With inputs from agencies)

'Beyond tragic': WHO reports 130 million cases and 500,000 deaths linked to Omicron

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

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

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

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

As the world grapples with the Omicron variant, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus asserted that "blanket travel bans will not prevent the international spread of Omicron," while adding, "globally, we have a toxic mix of low vaccine coverage and very low testing."

Blanket travel bans will not prevent international spread of Omicron, says WHO Chief Tedros

In Europe, the number of premature deaths caused by fine particle air pollution has declined 10 per cent annually, but it still accounts for 307,000 premature deaths annually, according to the European Environment Agency.

As per the European Union's air pollution data centre, the clear reduction in deaths across the continent was a direct result of favourable weather conditions and an improvement in air quality across the continent.

Nearly a million premature deaths were linked to fine particles in the early 1990s in the 27 EU member states, according to the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/air-pollution-leads-to-increased-mental-illness-and-decreases-intelligence-study-408854">Air pollution leads to increased mental illness and decreases intelligence: Study</a>

In 2005, that number had more than halved to 450,000.

The death toll from fine particulate matter with a diameter below 2.5 micrometres or PM2.5 was estimated at 346,000 for 2018.

Nitrogen dioxide-related deaths, mainly from cars, trucks, and thermal power plants, fell by a quarter to 40,000 between 2018 and 2019.

Similarly, the number of deaths linked to ground-level ozone in 2019 dropped 13 per cent to 16,800.

According to an EEA report, if EU members follow the latest air quality guidelines from the WHO, the number of fatalities in 2019 could be cut in half.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-volcano-that-wiped-out-town-in-colombia-killed-25000-is-active-again-429408" hreflang="en">Watch | Volcano that wiped out town in Colombia, killed 25,000, is active again</a>

Europe's biggest environmental threat to human health remains air pollution, according to the agency.

Most premature deaths attributed to air pollution are caused by heart disease and strokes, followed by lung ailments including cancer.

Atmospheric pollution can negatively affect lung development, lead to respiratory infections, and exacerbate asthma in children.

While the situation is improving, the EEA warned in September that most EU countries were still exceeding recommended pollution limits, whether they were European guidelines or more ambitious WHO targets.

UN health officials estimate that air pollution causes seven million premature deaths globally each year, on the same level as smoking and poor nutrition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-pollution-kills-7-million-people-per-year-estimates-who-issues-new-guidelines-414975">Air pollution kills 7 million people per year, estimates WHO;&nbsp; issues new guidelines</a>

In September, the WHO tightened its recommended limits on major air pollutants for the first time since 2005 as a result of alarming statistics.

"Investing in cleaner heating, mobility, agriculture and industry improves health, productivity and quality of life for all Europeans, and particularly the most vulnerable," said EEA director Hans Bruyninck.

By 2030, the EU wants to reduce premature deaths due to fine air pollution by at least 55 per cent from 2005 levels.

The agency estimates that the target will be reached by 2032 if air pollution continues to decline at the current rate.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Air Pollution &amp; Mental Health

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-air-pollution-mental-health-381527/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, an ageing and increasingly urbanised population could complicate matters.

"An older population is more sensitive to air pollution and a higher rate of urbanisation typically means that more people are exposed to PM 2.5 concentrations, which tend to be higher in cities," said the report.

In Europe, the number of premature deaths caused by fine particle air pollution has declined 10 per cent annually, but it still accounts for 307,000 premature deaths annually, according to the European Environment Agency.

In Europe, the number of premature deaths caused by fine particle air pollution has declined 10 per cent annually, but it still accounts for 307,000 premature deaths annually, according to the European Environment Agency. As per the European Union's air pollution data centre, the clear reduction in deaths across the continent was a direct result of favourable weather conditions and an improvement in air quality across the continent. Nearly a million premature deaths were linked to fine particles in the early 1990s in the 27 EU member states, according to the report. Also read | Air pollution leads to increased mental illness and decreases intelligence: Study In 2005, that number had more than halved to 450,000. The death toll from fine particulate matter with a diameter below 2.5 micrometres or PM2.5 was estimated at 346,000 for 2018. Nitrogen dioxide-related deaths, mainly from cars, trucks, and thermal power plants, fell by a quarter to 40,000 between 2018 and 2019. Similarly, the number of deaths linked to ground-level ozone in 2019 dropped 13 per cent to 16,800. According to an EEA report, if EU members follow the latest air quality guidelines from the WHO, the number of fatalities in 2019 could be cut in half. Also read | Watch | Volcano that wiped out town in Colombia, killed 25,000, is active again Europe's biggest environmental threat to human health remains air pollution, according to the agency. Most premature deaths attributed to air pollution are caused by heart disease and strokes, followed by lung ailments including cancer. Atmospheric pollution can negatively affect lung development, lead to respiratory infections, and exacerbate asthma in children. While the situation is improving, the EEA warned in September that most EU countries were still exceeding recommended pollution limits, whether they were European guidelines or more ambitious WHO targets. UN health officials estimate that air pollution causes seven million premature deaths globally each year, on the same level as smoking and poor nutrition. Also read | Air pollution kills 7 million people per year, estimates WHO; issues new guidelines In September, the WHO tightened its recommended limits on major air pollutants for the first time since 2005 as a result of alarming statistics. "Investing in cleaner heating, mobility, agriculture and industry improves health, productivity and quality of life for all Europeans, and particularly the most vulnerable," said EEA director Hans Bruyninck. By 2030, the EU wants to reduce premature deaths due to fine air pollution by at least 55 per cent from 2005 levels. The agency estimates that the target will be reached by 2032 if air pollution continues to decline at the current rate. Watch | Gravitas: Air Pollution & Mental Health However, an ageing and increasingly urbanised population could complicate matters. "An older population is more sensitive to air pollution and a higher rate of urbanisation typically means that more people are exposed to PM 2.5 concentrations, which tend to be higher in cities," said the report.

'Invisible Killer': Air pollution in Europe still kills 300,000 a year

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, September 1 opened a new epidemic intelligence hub with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

The chancellor took a blushing approach to high praise heaped on her by Ghebreyesus, thanking him for the 'heavy' medal and saying that there was still much to be done.

At the opening of the hub, Merkel said: "We want to be better armed for future pandemics and epidemics... if I am honest it wasn't really clear to me that a pandemic could hit Europe one day. At the time we were working on the basis of this not coming to Europe but now we have experienced it first hand and must learn our lessons from it."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/merkel-germanys-eternal-chancellor-prepares-to-leave-the-stage-409995" hreflang="en">Merkel, Germany's 'eternal' chancellor, prepares to leave the stage</a>

The hub will serve as a collecting point for all available information on viruses. The data will then be analysed for use in the global fight against pandemics.

Merkel praised Berlin as a location for a hub alongside the Charite hospital and Robert Koch Institute.

The hub and its work will, according to the Berlin Senate, be given 30 million euros funding as a token of German support for the World Health Organisation.

"We must work together and above all we need to understand that it isn't enough if one country is vaccinated. Everyone has to be vaccinated to stop all the mutations preventing us from finding a way out of the pandemic. The pandemic also showed me how much we need the WHO. It is the body for global health and needs solid and reliable financing," said.

The hub offers: "a bit of hope in these sometimes difficult times," she added.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, September 1 opened a new epidemic intelligence hub with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The chancellor took a blushing approach to high praise heaped on her by Ghebreyesus, thanking him for the 'heavy' medal and saying that there was still much to be done.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday, September 1 opened a new epidemic intelligence hub with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The chancellor took a blushing approach to high praise heaped on her by Ghebreyesus, thanking him for the 'heavy' medal and saying that there was still much to be done. At the opening of the hub, Merkel said: "We want to be better armed for future pandemics and epidemics... if I am honest it wasn't really clear to me that a pandemic could hit Europe one day. At the time we were working on the basis of this not coming to Europe but now we have experienced it first hand and must learn our lessons from it." Also read | Merkel, Germany's 'eternal' chancellor, prepares to leave the stage The hub will serve as a collecting point for all available information on viruses. The data will then be analysed for use in the global fight against pandemics. Merkel praised Berlin as a location for a hub alongside the Charite hospital and Robert Koch Institute. The hub and its work will, according to the Berlin Senate, be given 30 million euros funding as a token of German support for the World Health Organisation. "We must work together and above all we need to understand that it isn't enough if one country is vaccinated. Everyone has to be vaccinated to stop all the mutations preventing us from finding a way out of the pandemic. The pandemic also showed me how much we need the WHO. It is the body for global health and needs solid and reliable financing," said. The hub offers: "a bit of hope in these sometimes difficult times," she added.

Germany's Angela Merkel receives World Health award

White House has called&nbsp;Chinese opposition to a World Health Organization probe into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic as "irresponsible" and "dangerous."

"Their position is irresponsible and frankly dangerous ... It's not a time to be stonewalling,"&nbsp;White House press secretary Jen Psaki&nbsp;told reporters, after Beijing strongly criticised a request by the WHO to audit labs in areas where the first coronavirus cases were identified, including the Chinese city of Wuhan.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-rejects-who-probe-plan-on-covid-origin-399758/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The WHO this month proposed a second phase of studies into the origins of the coronavirus in China, including audits of laboratories and markets in the city of Wuhan, calling for transparency from authorities.

"We will not accept such an origins-tracing plan as it, in some aspects, disregards common sense and defies science," Zeng Yixin, vice minister of the National Health Commission (NHC), told reporters.

Zeng said he was taken aback when he first read the WHO plan because it lists the hypothesis that a Chinese violation of laboratory protocols had caused the virus to leak during research.

The head of the WHO said earlier in July that investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China were being hampered by the lack of raw data on the first days of spread there.

Zeng reiterated China's position that some data could not be completely shared due to privacy concerns.

"We hope the WHO would seriously review the considerations and suggestions made by Chinese experts and truly treat the origin tracing of the COVID-19 virus as a scientific matter, and get rid of political interference," Zeng said.

China opposed politicising the study, he said.

The origin of the virus remains contested among experts.

The first known cases emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. The virus was believed to have jumped to humans from animals being sold for food at a city market.

In May, US&nbsp;President Joe Biden ordered aides to find answers to questions over the origin, saying that US&nbsp;intelligence agencies were pursuing rival theories potentially including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China.

Zeng, along with other officials and Chinese experts at the news conference, urged the WHO to expand origin-tracing efforts beyond China to other countries.

"We believe a lab leak is extremely unlikely and it is not necessary to invest more energy and efforts in this regard," said Liang Wannian, the Chinese team leader on the WHO joint expert team. More animal studies should be conducted, in particular in countries with bat populations, he said.

However, Liang said the lab leak hypothesis could not be entirely discounted but suggested that if evidence warranted, other countries could look into the possibility it leaked from their labs.

One key part of the lab leak theory has centred on the Wuhan Institute of Virology's (WIV) decision to take offline its gene sequence and sample databases in 2019.

When asked about this decision, Yuan Zhiming, professor at WIV and the director of its National Biosafety Laboratory, told reporters that at present the databases were only shared internally due to cyber attack concerns.

(With inputs from agencies)

White House has called Chinese opposition to a World Health Organization probe into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic as "irresponsible" and "dangerous." "Their position is irresponsible and frankly dangerous .

White House has called Chinese opposition to a World Health Organization probe into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic as "irresponsible" and "dangerous." "Their position is irresponsible and frankly dangerous ... It's not a time to be stonewalling," White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters, after Beijing strongly criticised a request by the WHO to audit labs in areas where the first coronavirus cases were identified, including the Chinese city of Wuhan. The WHO this month proposed a second phase of studies into the origins of the coronavirus in China, including audits of laboratories and markets in the city of Wuhan, calling for transparency from authorities. "We will not accept such an origins-tracing plan as it, in some aspects, disregards common sense and defies science," Zeng Yixin, vice minister of the National Health Commission (NHC), told reporters. Zeng said he was taken aback when he first read the WHO plan because it lists the hypothesis that a Chinese violation of laboratory protocols had caused the virus to leak during research. The head of the WHO said earlier in July that investigations into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic in China were being hampered by the lack of raw data on the first days of spread there. Zeng reiterated China's position that some data could not be completely shared due to privacy concerns. "We hope the WHO would seriously review the considerations and suggestions made by Chinese experts and truly treat the origin tracing of the COVID-19 virus as a scientific matter, and get rid of political interference," Zeng said. China opposed politicising the study, he said. The origin of the virus remains contested among experts. The first known cases emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019. The virus was believed to have jumped to humans from animals being sold for food at a city market. In May, US President Joe Biden ordered aides to find answers to questions over the origin, saying that US intelligence agencies were pursuing rival theories potentially including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China. Zeng, along with other officials and Chinese experts at the news conference, urged the WHO to expand origin-tracing efforts beyond China to other countries. "We believe a lab leak is extremely unlikely and it is not necessary to invest more energy and efforts in this regard," said Liang Wannian, the Chinese team leader on the WHO joint expert team. More animal studies should be conducted, in particular in countries with bat populations, he said. However, Liang said the lab leak hypothesis could not be entirely discounted but suggested that if evidence warranted, other countries could look into the possibility it leaked from their labs. One key part of the lab leak theory has centred on the Wuhan Institute of Virology's (WIV) decision to take offline its gene sequence and sample databases in 2019. When asked about this decision, Yuan Zhiming, professor at WIV and the director of its National Biosafety Laboratory, told reporters that at present the databases were only shared internally due to cyber attack concerns. (With inputs from agencies)

White House calls China's opposition to probe into Covid origins 'irresponsible'

Amid news that Oxford is going to be conducting a trial on the efficacy and safety of the drug 'Ivermectin', for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> treatment, a controversy has once again taken up social media website Twitter by storm.

Netizens have been tweeting left and right about this drug, so much so that during the day, 'Ivermectin' was trending on number 29 on the website’s trending list. Now the question is what is the reason behind this sudden interest in Ivermectin and what exactly are the people saying?

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/oxford-to-study-anti-parasitic-drug-ivermectins-efficacy-for-covid-treatment-393401">Oxford to study anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin's efficacy for Covid treatment</a>

<h3>The controversy</h3>

A couple of months earlier in March, WHO issued a set of guidelines against the use of antiparasitic drug Ivermectin, except in clinical trials. WHO's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan, also reiterated the organisation's warning in a tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Considering <a href="https://twitter.com/WHO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WHO</a> falsified it's own conclusions on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ivermectin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ivermectin</a> what chances do we expect of a fair trial from Oxford? <a href="https://t.co/RaBSNzIN2y">https://t.co/RaBSNzIN2y</a> <a href="https://t.co/3AWYMzjOfZ">https://t.co/3AWYMzjOfZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/y6mFk23zti">pic.twitter.com/y6mFk23zti</a>
— Will Johnson (@420Ravens) <a href="https://twitter.com/420Ravens/status/1407735578339287043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Safety and efficacy are important when using any drug for a new indication. WHO recommends against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 except within clinical trials," said Soumya Swaminathan, the global health body’s chief scientist, in a tweet published on May 10, since deleted.

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Following this, the Indian Bar Association, an India based organisation of lawyers, filed a legal notice against WHO and Swaminathan, accusing them of "running a disinformation campaign against Ivermectin by deliberate suppression of effectiveness of drug Ivermectin as prophylaxis and for treatment of COVID-19, despite the existence of large amounts of clinical data compiled and presented by esteemed, highly qualified, experienced medical doctors and scientists."

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sent a Legal Notice to Dr Soumya Swaminathan and the WHO for the adverse comments against Ivermectin. Cementing the fact that it has as many vocal proponents as detractors. 48/ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jamaica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jamaica</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ivermectin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ivermectin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IVM?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IVM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mectizan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mectizan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DrugRepurpose?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DrugRepurpose</a> <a href="https://t.co/9i9XggqVCn">https://t.co/9i9XggqVCn</a>
— Benjamin Riley (@TehOutsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/TehOutsider/status/1407319152604364808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Now, the news that an esteemed organisation like Oxford is going to be conducting a trial has stoked the fires.

<h3>WHO’s stand</h3>

In March, the World Health Organization had warned that ivermectin&nbsp;should not be used to treat coronavirus patients. Due to a heavy rise in people claiming ivermectin to be a "miracle cure", the UN organisation issued a set of guidelines saying&nbsp;that the drug&nbsp;should only be used on COVID-19 patients in clinical trial settings.

This came at a time when doctors in many countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and South Africa were actively prescribing the drug and many were self-medicating with this drug.

These guidelines by WHO were issued despite studies by organisations like Front Line COVID -19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) and the British Ivermectin Recommendation Development (BIRD) Panel, as according to the WHO, there is a "very low certainty of evidence" relating to the drug’s effect on mortality, the requirement of a patient’s admission to a hospital and ridding a patient of the virus.

<h3>What is the public saying?</h3>

The netizens seem to be divided into two groups; Ivermectin supporters, who blame WHO for trying to hide and lying about the benefits of this drug’s usage in Covid, and&nbsp;the other group that supports WHO and says that the drug is not safe for use.

The former says that WHO Chief Scientist deleting her tweet supporting the organisations' warnings stands as a proof of WHO’s malicious attempts. According to them thousands of people using Ivermectin safely serves as proof of the drug’s success and WHO must answer for the thousands of lives lost due to their actions.

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I'm actually suprised it took UK this long to conduct research. No wonder <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/covid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#covid</a> death rate was high in UK. It is used in Africa easily. 
From my own personal experience of having close people who had covid, it works. They used <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ivermectin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ivermectin</a> &amp; recovered quickly <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ivermectinworks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ivermectinworks</a>
— Bunmie Zoë Radioo (@BunmieZoeRadioo) <a href="https://twitter.com/BunmieZoeRadioo/status/1407738942473056262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The other faction says that the drug which is an antiparasitic medicine must not be used casually and without proof as there have been cases of liver damage due to self-medication with the drug.

<h3>So is Ivermectin safe?</h3>

As of now, apart from WHO, even the US-based Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved or authorised the drug.

According to their website, "FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug&nbsp;for treating viruses)."

They also warn that "taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm."

While there have been studies claiming that the drug is in fact safe, the proof they offer isn’t very extensive, the world must wait for more solid proof; like the results of the Oxford trial.

&nbsp;

Amid news that Oxford is going to be conducting a trial on the efficacy and safety of the drug 'Ivermectin', for COVID-19 treatment, a controversy has once again taken up social media website Twitter by storm.

Amid news that Oxford is going to be conducting a trial on the efficacy and safety of the drug 'Ivermectin', for COVID-19 treatment, a controversy has once again taken up social media website Twitter by storm. Netizens have been tweeting left and right about this drug, so much so that during the day, 'Ivermectin' was trending on number 29 on the website’s trending list. Now the question is what is the reason behind this sudden interest in Ivermectin and what exactly are the people saying? Also read | Oxford to study anti-parasitic drug Ivermectin's efficacy for Covid treatment The controversy A couple of months earlier in March, WHO issued a set of guidelines against the use of antiparasitic drug Ivermectin, except in clinical trials. WHO's chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan, also reiterated the organisation's warning in a tweet. Considering @WHO falsified it's own conclusions on #ivermectin what chances do we expect of a fair trial from Oxford? https://t.co/RaBSNzIN2y https://t.co/3AWYMzjOfZ pic.twitter.com/y6mFk23zti — Will Johnson (@420Ravens) June 23, 2021 × "Safety and efficacy are important when using any drug for a new indication. WHO recommends against the use of ivermectin for COVID-19 except within clinical trials," said Soumya Swaminathan, the global health body’s chief scientist, in a tweet published on May 10, since deleted. Following this, the Indian Bar Association, an India based organisation of lawyers, filed a legal notice against WHO and Swaminathan, accusing them of "running a disinformation campaign against Ivermectin by deliberate suppression of effectiveness of drug Ivermectin as prophylaxis and for treatment of COVID-19, despite the existence of large amounts of clinical data compiled and presented by esteemed, highly qualified, experienced medical doctors and scientists." sent a Legal Notice to Dr Soumya Swaminathan and the WHO for the adverse comments against Ivermectin. Cementing the fact that it has as many vocal proponents as detractors. 48/ #COVID19 #Jamaica #ivermectin #IVM #Mectizan #DrugRepurpose https://t.co/9i9XggqVCn — Benjamin Riley (@TehOutsider) June 22, 2021 × Now, the news that an esteemed organisation like Oxford is going to be conducting a trial has stoked the fires. WHO’s stand In March, the World Health Organization had warned that ivermectin should not be used to treat coronavirus patients. Due to a heavy rise in people claiming ivermectin to be a "miracle cure", the UN organisation issued a set of guidelines saying that the drug should only be used on COVID-19 patients in clinical trial settings. This came at a time when doctors in many countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and South Africa were actively prescribing the drug and many were self-medicating with this drug. These guidelines by WHO were issued despite studies by organisations like Front Line COVID -19 Critical Care Alliance (FLCCC) and the British Ivermectin Recommendation Development (BIRD) Panel, as according to the WHO, there is a "very low certainty of evidence" relating to the drug’s effect on mortality, the requirement of a patient’s admission to a hospital and ridding a patient of the virus. What is the public saying? The netizens seem to be divided into two groups; Ivermectin supporters, who blame WHO for trying to hide and lying about the benefits of this drug’s usage in Covid, and the other group that supports WHO and says that the drug is not safe for use. The former says that WHO Chief Scientist deleting her tweet supporting the organisations' warnings stands as a proof of WHO’s malicious attempts. According to them thousands of people using Ivermectin safely serves as proof of the drug’s success and WHO must answer for the thousands of lives lost due to their actions. I'm actually suprised it took UK this long to conduct research. No wonder #covid death rate was high in UK. It is used in Africa easily. From my own personal experience of having close people who had covid, it works. They used #ivermectin & recovered quickly #ivermectinworks — Bunmie Zoë Radioo (@BunmieZoeRadioo) June 23, 2021 × The other faction says that the drug which is an antiparasitic medicine must not be used casually and without proof as there have been cases of liver damage due to self-medication with the drug. So is Ivermectin safe? As of now, apart from WHO, even the US-based Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved or authorised the drug. According to their website, "FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses)." They also warn that "taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm." While there have been studies claiming that the drug is in fact safe, the proof they offer isn’t very extensive, the world must wait for more solid proof; like the results of the Oxford trial.

'Ivermectin' trends on Twitter after controversy over anti-parasitic drug

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14.

"I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

"In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added:&nbsp;

Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal.

It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding.&nbsp;

It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk.&nbsp;

Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease.&nbsp;

Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January.

World Health Organisation (WHO) officially announced the end of Guinea's second Ebola outbreak. The outbreak was declared on February 14. "I have the honour of declaring the end of Ebola" in Guinea, WHO official Alfred Ki-Zerbo said at a ceremony in the southeastern Nzerekore region where the disease surfaced at the end of January. "In the name of the head of state (President Alpha Conde) I wish to declare the end of resurgence of Ebola in Guinea," Health Minister Remy Lamah added: Latest outbreak saw seven probable infections and 16 confirmed cases, said WHO. It added that 12 of these cases were fatal. It was second outbreak in Guinea, a poor country of 13 million people since the Ebola epidemic of 2013-2016. The epidemic left 11,300 dead in Guinea Liberia and Sierra Leone. Ebola causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. It is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, and people who live with or care for patients are most at risk. Guinea reacted quickly to this year's outbreak, however, building on its previous experience of fighting the disease. Among other measures, the country launched an Ebola vaccination campaign this year with the help of the WHO. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO officially declares end to second Ebola outbreak in Guinea

The World Health Organisation has said that UK's decision to cut aid will make millions of people susceptible to dying from "neglected tropical diseases". The UK has reduced foreign aid budget from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent of its national income. This will result in cut of 4 billion Pounds.

The WHO has joined many other agencies to warn about the impact of UK's decision. It mentioned that the "neglected tropical disease" included Trachoma, Elecphantiasis and Guinea Worm. These diseases are among 20 disease groups which mostly affect poorest countries. These disease are preventable but the WHO said the disease could "kill, blind, disfigure and maim"

WHO also said that without UK's aid, about 277 million tablets will expire and will have to be destroyed.

"No obvious alternative source of funding exists to fill the funding gaps that will be left by the exit of Ascend," the WHO added.

The World Health Organisation has said that UK's decision to cut aid will make millions of people susceptible to dying from "neglected tropical diseases". The UK has reduced foreign aid budget from 0.

The World Health Organisation has said that UK's decision to cut aid will make millions of people susceptible to dying from "neglected tropical diseases". The UK has reduced foreign aid budget from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent of its national income. This will result in cut of 4 billion Pounds. The WHO has joined many other agencies to warn about the impact of UK's decision. It mentioned that the "neglected tropical disease" included Trachoma, Elecphantiasis and Guinea Worm. These diseases are among 20 disease groups which mostly affect poorest countries. These disease are preventable but the WHO said the disease could "kill, blind, disfigure and maim" WHO also said that without UK's aid, about 277 million tablets will expire and will have to be destroyed. "No obvious alternative source of funding exists to fill the funding gaps that will be left by the exit of Ascend," the WHO added.

UK's foreign aid cut may put millions at risk: WHO

Wealthy countries need to give more COVID-19 vaccines and follow the United States in making doses available immediately to cover a 200 million dose gap caused by Indian supply disruptions and manufacturing delays, a&nbsp;World&nbsp;Health&nbsp;Organization&nbsp;(WHO) senior adviser&nbsp;said on Friday.

Warning of a "two-track recovery," the WHO is urging wealthy countries to donate their surplus doses to poorer countries instead of giving them to less vulnerable groups, such as children. They have so far donated 150 million doses via the COVAX sharing scheme.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reconsider-vaccinating-children-donate-to-covax-says-who-chief-as-he-warns-against-deadliest-year-385082">'Reconsider vaccinating children, donate to Covax,' says WHO chief as he warns against 'deadliest year'</a>

However, Bruce Aylward said on Friday that only a small portion of those doses will be available in the short-term in June, July and August when they can make a difference in slowing the pace of infections in the global pandemic.

"We are going to need twice that much and it's got to be brought forward," he said, referring to the size of wealthy country donations so far as G7&nbsp;health&nbsp;ministers meet in Oxford.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-chief-urges-covid-19-vaccine-makers-to-advance-doses-for-covax-385692">WHO chief urges COVID-19 vaccine makers to advance doses for COVAX</a>

"We don't have enough confirmed doses from enough countries early enough to get the&nbsp;world&nbsp;on track to get out of this," he said. "We are setting up for failure if we don't get early doses."

He praised a US&nbsp;plan announced on Thursday (June 3) to quickly share 25 million doses and encouraged other wealthy countries to follow suit.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-distribute-80-million-vaccine-doses-through-covax-india-included-in-list-white-house-389263">US to distribute 80 million vaccine doses through Covax; India included in list: White House</a>

Aylward estimated that Indian vaccine export disruptions and delays in getting other vaccines online meant that the COVAX sharing scheme had a gap of around 200 million doses.

India's Serum Institute has diverted AstraZeneca supplies to the domestic market amid a devastating second wave in India and is expected to lift those restrictions in the fourth quarter when other products earmarked for COVAX are also due online.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tedros-denounces-vaccine-inequity-as-covax-sharing-scheme-marks-first-year-379526">Tedros denounces vaccine inequity as COVAX sharing scheme marks first year</a>

Even after a summit this week that secured an additional $2.4 billion in pledges, a nearly $17 billion funding gap for the WHO's "ACT Accelerator" to back COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics remain, he said.

Wealthy countries need to give more COVID-19 vaccines and follow the United States in making doses available immediately to cover a 200 million dose gap caused by Indian supply disruptions and manufacturing delays, a World Health Organization (WHO) senior adviser said on Friday.

Wealthy countries need to give more COVID-19 vaccines and follow the United States in making doses available immediately to cover a 200 million dose gap caused by Indian supply disruptions and manufacturing delays, a World Health Organization (WHO) senior adviser said on Friday. Warning of a "two-track recovery," the WHO is urging wealthy countries to donate their surplus doses to poorer countries instead of giving them to less vulnerable groups, such as children. They have so far donated 150 million doses via the COVAX sharing scheme. Also Read | 'Reconsider vaccinating children, donate to Covax,' says WHO chief as he warns against 'deadliest year' However, Bruce Aylward said on Friday that only a small portion of those doses will be available in the short-term in June, July and August when they can make a difference in slowing the pace of infections in the global pandemic. "We are going to need twice that much and it's got to be brought forward," he said, referring to the size of wealthy country donations so far as G7 health ministers meet in Oxford. Also Read | WHO chief urges COVID-19 vaccine makers to advance doses for COVAX "We don't have enough confirmed doses from enough countries early enough to get the world on track to get out of this," he said. "We are setting up for failure if we don't get early doses." He praised a US plan announced on Thursday (June 3) to quickly share 25 million doses and encouraged other wealthy countries to follow suit. Also Read | US to distribute 80 million vaccine doses through Covax; India included in list: White House Aylward estimated that Indian vaccine export disruptions and delays in getting other vaccines online meant that the COVAX sharing scheme had a gap of around 200 million doses. India's Serum Institute has diverted AstraZeneca supplies to the domestic market amid a devastating second wave in India and is expected to lift those restrictions in the fourth quarter when other products earmarked for COVAX are also due online. Also Read | Tedros denounces vaccine inequity as COVAX sharing scheme marks first year Even after a summit this week that secured an additional $2.4 billion in pledges, a nearly $17 billion funding gap for the WHO's "ACT Accelerator" to back COVID-19 vaccines, treatments and diagnostics remain, he said.

WHO warns of 'failure' unless rich countries speed up vaccine sharing

China has confirmed the world's first human case of a new strain of bird flu after a 41-year-old man was hospitalised with fever. 
 
The National Health Commission of China said on Tuesday that they have found one case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu in Jiangsu province.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-reports-first-cases-of-h5n8-bird-flu-in-humans-365072">Also read | Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans</a> 
 
The resident of Zhenjiang city was hospitalised on April 28 after developing several symptoms and was diagnosed as having the H10N3 avian influenza virus on May 28, the NHC said in a statement.

The man is stable and ready to be discharged from the hospital.

There has not been any case of human infection of H10N3 reported in the world before, NHC said. 
 
To date, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus. 
 
The world's first human cases of bird flu were reported in Hong Kong in 1997 when six people were killed by the H5N1 strain of the virus. Hundreds more have died worldwide in subsequent outbreaks, especially of highly virulent strains like H7N9. 
 
Earlier in February this year, Russia had found the world’s first cases of H5N8 avian influenza in humans. The virus, however, isn’t yet spreading among people.

The cases were detected in workers at a poultry farm in southern Russia and were immediately reported to the World Health Organization.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has confirmed the world's first human case of a new strain of bird flu after a 41-year-old man was hospitalised with fever. The National Health Commission of China said on Tuesday that they have found one case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu in Jiangsu province.

China has confirmed the world's first human case of a new strain of bird flu after a 41-year-old man was hospitalised with fever. The National Health Commission of China said on Tuesday that they have found one case of human infection with the H10N3 strain of bird flu in Jiangsu province. Also read | Russia reports first cases of H5N8 bird flu in humans The resident of Zhenjiang city was hospitalised on April 28 after developing several symptoms and was diagnosed as having the H10N3 avian influenza virus on May 28, the NHC said in a statement. The man is stable and ready to be discharged from the hospital. There has not been any case of human infection of H10N3 reported in the world before, NHC said. To date, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of the avian influenza virus. The world's first human cases of bird flu were reported in Hong Kong in 1997 when six people were killed by the H5N1 strain of the virus. Hundreds more have died worldwide in subsequent outbreaks, especially of highly virulent strains like H7N9. Earlier in February this year, Russia had found the world’s first cases of H5N8 avian influenza in humans. The virus, however, isn’t yet spreading among people. The cases were detected in workers at a poultry farm in southern Russia and were immediately reported to the World Health Organization. (With inputs from agencies)

China reports world's first human case of H10N3 avian influenza

Taiwan on Monday slammed the World Health Organization on persistent exclusion from an important annual gathering of the World Health Assembly, which focus on preventing the next pandemic catastrophe. Taiwan accused China of conspiracy.

Taiwan blames China for WHO meet snub as it fails to get into crucial WHA meet

Taiwan slams the World Health Organization, takes direct hit at China

Taiwan calls WHO 'indifference' to the health rights as it didn't get invite for crucial WHA meet

World Health Assembly (WHA) members will gather on May 24 to discuss the world's response to COVID-19 pandemic. World leaders have also called for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA but China is opposing it.

World leaders call for Taiwan's re-entry to the WHA

India&nbsp;accounted for 46 per cent&nbsp;of the new <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> cases recorded worldwide last week and one in four deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

The surge of the coronavirus in&nbsp;India, including of a highly infectious new variant first identified there, has seen hospitals runs out of beds and oxygen, and morgues and crematoriums overflowing.&nbsp;

Worldwide, 5.7 million new cases were reported last week and more than 93,000 deaths, the WHO said in its weekly epidemiological report.&nbsp;India&nbsp;reported nearly 2.6 million new cases, a 20 per cent&nbsp;increase on the previous week, and 23,231 deaths.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-cases-cross-20-million-382724">India's&nbsp;COVID-19 cases cross 20 million</a>&nbsp;

The figures are based on official tallies, so&nbsp;India's proportion could be even larger if, as many experts believe, a large number of cases and deaths are not being recorded there as the system becomes overwhelmed.&nbsp;India&nbsp;accounts for almost 18 per cent&nbsp;of the world's population.

There are signs that&nbsp;India's outbreak is spreading to its neighbours. Nepal recorded a 137 per cent&nbsp;increase in cases to 31,088 last week, while Sri Lanka's COVID-19 outbreak was also growing, the WHO said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-coronavirus-variants-are-proving-to-be-fatal-for-patients-in-india-382809">Why coronavirus variants are proving to be fatal for patients in India</a>

On Tuesday&nbsp;India&nbsp;became the second country to record 20 million infections, after the United States.&nbsp;India's coronavirus deaths rose by a record 3,780 during the last 24 hours, with daily infections rising by 382,315 on Wednesday, health ministry data showed.

India accounted for 46 per cent of the new COVID-19 cases recorded worldwide last week and one in four deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday.

India accounted for 46 per cent of the new COVID-19 cases recorded worldwide last week and one in four deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday. The surge of the coronavirus in India, including of a highly infectious new variant first identified there, has seen hospitals runs out of beds and oxygen, and morgues and crematoriums overflowing. Worldwide, 5.7 million new cases were reported last week and more than 93,000 deaths, the WHO said in its weekly epidemiological report. India reported nearly 2.6 million new cases, a 20 per cent increase on the previous week, and 23,231 deaths. Also read | India's COVID-19 cases cross 20 million The figures are based on official tallies, so India's proportion could be even larger if, as many experts believe, a large number of cases and deaths are not being recorded there as the system becomes overwhelmed. India accounts for almost 18 per cent of the world's population. There are signs that India's outbreak is spreading to its neighbours. Nepal recorded a 137 per cent increase in cases to 31,088 last week, while Sri Lanka's COVID-19 outbreak was also growing, the WHO said. Also read | Why coronavirus variants are proving to be fatal for patients in India On Tuesday India became the second country to record 20 million infections, after the United States. India's coronavirus deaths rose by a record 3,780 during the last 24 hours, with daily infections rising by 382,315 on Wednesday, health ministry data showed.

India accounts for 46 per cent of world's new COVID-19 cases, quarter of deaths: WHO

World Health Organization’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus intends to run for a second five-year term as the agency’s chief, Stat News reported on Monday.

Ghebreyesus has remained the face of the agency as the COVID-19 pandemic ripped through the world after emerging in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. Ghebreyesus is Ethiopian and in 2017 became the first African to head the World Health Organization which is based in Geneva.&nbsp;

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No confirmation has come in from Ghebreyesus himself or from the World Health Organization. To retain the position, Tedros would require the support of major countries across the world and African countries could hold the key to his reappointment.

In November 2020, he was accused by the Ethiopian military of supporting and attempting to procure arms for Tigray’s dominant political party which was in direct confrontation with the country’s armed forces. Ghebreyesus has denied any involvement in the crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science-technology/scientists-urge-who-to-look-further-into-coronavirus-origins-381778" hreflang="en">Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins</a>

Under his leadership, the WHO has witnessed perhaps the biggest challenge in decades with COVID-19 which continues to log fatalities in many countries. Currently, India remains the epicentre of the virus.

Former US President Donald Trump accused Tedros and the WHO of being too “China-centric” and stopped contributions to the agency while setting off plans to leave the agency. The WHO has denied any wrongdoing in dealing with the Covid crisis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/covid-crisis-like-in-india-could-happen-anywhere-warns-who-381419" hreflang="en">Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO</a>

When Biden became US President, he announced the country’s return to the organisation and its plans to seek reforms in the health body.

After global doubts over the origins of COVID-19 made noise, the WHO ordered a mission into the virus. But the WHO chief remained distant from the mission which was jointly undertaken with Chinese scientists. According to the report submitted on March 30, the virus jumped to humans from animals and said that a lab leak remained an “extremely unlikely” cause of the virus.

(With inputs from agencies)

World Health Organization’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus intends to run for a second five-year term as the agency’s chief, Stat News reported on Monday.

World Health Organization’s Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus intends to run for a second five-year term as the agency’s chief, Stat News reported on Monday. Ghebreyesus has remained the face of the agency as the COVID-19 pandemic ripped through the world after emerging in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. Ghebreyesus is Ethiopian and in 2017 became the first African to head the World Health Organization which is based in Geneva. No confirmation has come in from Ghebreyesus himself or from the World Health Organization. To retain the position, Tedros would require the support of major countries across the world and African countries could hold the key to his reappointment. In November 2020, he was accused by the Ethiopian military of supporting and attempting to procure arms for Tigray’s dominant political party which was in direct confrontation with the country’s armed forces. Ghebreyesus has denied any involvement in the crisis. Also read: Scientists urge WHO to look further into coronavirus origins Under his leadership, the WHO has witnessed perhaps the biggest challenge in decades with COVID-19 which continues to log fatalities in many countries. Currently, India remains the epicentre of the virus. Former US President Donald Trump accused Tedros and the WHO of being too “China-centric” and stopped contributions to the agency while setting off plans to leave the agency. The WHO has denied any wrongdoing in dealing with the Covid crisis. Also read: Covid crisis like in India could 'happen anywhere', warns WHO When Biden became US President, he announced the country’s return to the organisation and its plans to seek reforms in the health body. After global doubts over the origins of COVID-19 made noise, the WHO ordered a mission into the virus. But the WHO chief remained distant from the mission which was jointly undertaken with Chinese scientists. According to the report submitted on March 30, the virus jumped to humans from animals and said that a lab leak remained an “extremely unlikely” cause of the virus. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to seek re-election: Report

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against jumping to conclusions about a new coronavirus variant discovered in India, saying it had not yet classified it as worrying. 
 
A WHO spokeswoman said that it was not clear at this point to what extent the variant was responsible for the rapid increase in cases in India in recent months, DPA news agency reported. 
 
There are many factors that could have contributed to this, she said. For example, festivals and other events with many participants may have accelerated infections. 
 
The British coronavirus variant may also be affecting India`s epidemiological situation. 
 
In India, more than 350,000 infections were reported within 24 hours on Monday, more than any country has reported in that timespan. With its 1.3 billion inhabitants, India has recorded a total of more than 17 million infections. 
 
The British, South African and Brazilian variants of Covid-19 have all been classified by the WHO as "variants of concern." 
 
The newest variant was first detected in India on December 1, 2020. 
 
According to the WHO, a variant is considered worrying if it spreads more easily, causes more serious cases of the disease, bypasses the immune system or reduces the effectiveness of known treatments. 
 
Overall, the number of reported infections per week has been increasing for nine weeks, while the number of reported deaths has been increasing for six weeks, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva on Monday. 
 
"There were almost as many cases last week as in the first five months of the pandemic combined," said Tedros. In India in particular, the situation is "more than heartbreaking." 
 
The WHO did not have the latest number of infections reported within a week on its website as of Tuesday. On April 19, it reported almost 5.7 million cases worldwide within a week, some 400,000 more than the week before. 
 
On the Gisaid platform, which contains genetic sequences of influenza and the coronavirus, more than 850 sequences of Covid-19 from more than 18 countries had been uploaded by April 23. Most came from India, Britain, the US and Singapore. 
 
However, this does not give an accurate picture of the distribution, as many countries sequence significantly less, others not at all due to a lack of capacity.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against jumping to conclusions about a new coronavirus variant discovered in India, saying it had not yet classified it as worrying.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned against jumping to conclusions about a new coronavirus variant discovered in India, saying it had not yet classified it as worrying. A WHO spokeswoman said that it was not clear at this point to what extent the variant was responsible for the rapid increase in cases in India in recent months, DPA news agency reported. There are many factors that could have contributed to this, she said. For example, festivals and other events with many participants may have accelerated infections. The British coronavirus variant may also be affecting India`s epidemiological situation. In India, more than 350,000 infections were reported within 24 hours on Monday, more than any country has reported in that timespan. With its 1.3 billion inhabitants, India has recorded a total of more than 17 million infections. The British, South African and Brazilian variants of Covid-19 have all been classified by the WHO as "variants of concern." The newest variant was first detected in India on December 1, 2020. According to the WHO, a variant is considered worrying if it spreads more easily, causes more serious cases of the disease, bypasses the immune system or reduces the effectiveness of known treatments. Overall, the number of reported infections per week has been increasing for nine weeks, while the number of reported deaths has been increasing for six weeks, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in Geneva on Monday. "There were almost as many cases last week as in the first five months of the pandemic combined," said Tedros. In India in particular, the situation is "more than heartbreaking." The WHO did not have the latest number of infections reported within a week on its website as of Tuesday. On April 19, it reported almost 5.7 million cases worldwide within a week, some 400,000 more than the week before. On the Gisaid platform, which contains genetic sequences of influenza and the coronavirus, more than 850 sequences of Covid-19 from more than 18 countries had been uploaded by April 23. Most came from India, Britain, the US and Singapore. However, this does not give an accurate picture of the distribution, as many countries sequence significantly less, others not at all due to a lack of capacity.

WHO reserves judgement on Indian coronavirus variant