WHO: "Assuming Omicron is the Last Variant Is Risky"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the optimistic view suggesting the Omicron variant will be the last COVID-19 pandemic is a dangerous thought. It pointed out that the possibility of new variants emerging remains high and that COVID-19 deaths are still numerous.

On the 24th (local time), WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, at the WHO Executive Board meeting held over five days starting that day, stated, "It is still very dangerous to assume that the Omicron variant is the last variant," and warned, "On the contrary, global conditions are ideal for more variants to emerge."

He said, "It is true that we will live with COVID-19 in the near future and need to learn how to manage it. However, this does not mean letting the virus do as it pleases," emphasizing that "a disease that can be prevented and treated should not be causing about 50,000 deaths per week," highlighting that the COVID-19 pandemic remains severe.

Director-General Ghebreyesus explained, "Ending the acute phase of the pandemic is our top priority," and if all countries achieve the WHO’s goal of vaccinating 70% of their populations by mid-year, "we can end the international public health emergency for COVID-19 within this year."

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, also warned again that "the virus continues to adapt and new variants can emerge in areas with lower immunity," and that if global vaccine supply imbalances persist, the pandemic will not end.

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