WHO Expert: "COVID-19 Could End in 2022"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Maria Baena-Kov, head of the World Health Organization (WHO) technical team, stated on the 15th (local time) that "humanity has the means to end COVID-19 by next year."

According to the AP News on the same day, American epidemiologist Baena-Kov appeared on a broadcast and said, "2022 will be the year we can end COVID-19," adding, "We have the way to eradicate it."

Regarding the spread of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron, she explained, "Data is being collected from many countries. We know that Omicron is spreading rapidly and in some countries is surpassing the Delta variant," and added, "It is still in the early stages, and we are examining how it spreads among various groups."

She further stated, "We do not have all the answers yet," but diagnosed, "Currently, we have secured methods to move out of the severe range, and we can reduce mortality rates, hospitalization rates, severe cases, intensive care, and critical patients."

She continued, "We have the means," and predicted, "2022 is hopeful."

Currently, WHO has counted 77 countries reporting the Omicron variant.

Last month, WHO launched a strategy to complete COVID-19 vaccinations by mid-2022.

Through this, WHO plans to achieve immunity for 70% of the global population by mid-next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.