In a declaration shared via LinkedIn, the head of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, offered a positive outlook on the conclusion of the COVID-19 global health crisis. He emphasized that fairness is a crucial weapon in battling this emergency, noting that despite preventative measures, substantial fatalities and record-breaking infection numbers persist due to a significant portion of the global population lacking access to vaccination.
“Eliminating inequality will bring an end to this pandemic and the worldwide crisis we’ve all endured. This is achievable,” he asserted, outlining plans for collaboration with national governments to prioritize vaccine distribution through initiatives like COVAX and AVAT. The objective is to inoculate 70% of the global population by mid-year.
“Innovative treatments have been created, enhancing accessibility and lowering mortality rates. However, stark disparities mean these advantages aren’t equally distributed. We observe some nations implementing widespread booster campaigns while a considerable number of WHO member states failed to reach the 40% vaccination target for their populations by the close of 2021, reflecting uneven global vaccine supply. This disparity is further highlighted by the fact that a year after initial vaccinations commenced, three-quarters of healthcare personnel in Africa remain unvaccinated.”
Tedros further emphasized the booster shot’s efficacy within the vaccination strategy. He also pointed out that the implementation of public health measures over the past two years, such as mask-wearing and social distancing, has been a key preventative tool; adhering to these guidelines offers a path towards permanently ending this pandemic.
