WHO: Global new COVID-19 cases decline for six consecutive weeks.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the number of new confirmed cases of the COVID-19 has fallen for six consecutive weeks, and the number of new deaths has also fallen for five consecutive weeks. Despite these “encouraging signs”, progress remains “mixed.” Because the death toll in Africa, the Americas and the Western Pacific region increased last week.
He pointed out: “We are increasingly seeing a dual-track pandemic: Many countries are still facing extremely dangerous situations, and some of the countries with the highest vaccination rates are beginning to discuss ending restrictions and blockades.”
In view of the worrying increase in the global spread of the new coronavirus variant, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recommends to be cautious when lifting the epidemic prevention restrictions, because for those who have not been vaccinated, the consequences may be disastrous.
At the same time, many countries still lack adequate vaccines. So far, the richer countries have received 44% of the total vaccines. In poorer countries, this figure is only 0.4%.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus pointed out that the unequal distribution of vaccines has allowed the new coronavirus to continue to spread, thereby rendering the means to combat this emerging variant ineffective.
He warned that unfair vaccination is a threat to all countries, not just those with the fewest vaccines.
The United Nations has been urging governments to share excess vaccine doses with the COVID-19 vaccine acquisition mechanism (COVAX). Some countries have pledged donations, and Tedros said that he hopes these donations will be honored soon.
