COVID-19 Still Claiming 1,700 Lives a Week

Three years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the disease is still killing about 1,700 people every week globally, according to the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO).

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During a press conference on July 11, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern about the decline in COVID-19 vaccination rates, noting that while the death toll continues to rise, vaccination rates are falling significantly among the two most at-risk groups: health care workers and people over 60.

Mr. Tedros emphasized that WHO recommends that people in high-risk groups should receive a COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of the last dose to maintain protection.

Since its emergence, COVID-19 has caused more than 7 million deaths worldwide. The pandemic has not only crippled health systems but also devastated the global economy. In May 2023, WHO declared the COVID-19 public health emergency over, but the organization has continued to urge governments to maintain surveillance and sequencing of the virus. This is to ensure access to reliable and affordable tests, treatments and vaccines.

In addition to COVID-19, the WHO has issued a serious warning about the risk of H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks. The organization called on countries to strengthen surveillance and reporting of influenza cases in animals and humans, share samples and conduct gene sequencing. The WHO also recommended better protection for livestock farmers who may come into contact with infected animals and increased research on avian influenza.

H5N1, a subtype of influenza A virus, is commonly found in birds and poultry. The virus can spread between infected birds and can sometimes be transmitted from birds to humans, causing severe symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose and severe respiratory infection.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/who-covid-19-van-cuop-di-1700-sinh-mang-moi-tuan-d219875.html