Urgent Call for Global Backing of Broad-scale Vaccination Initiatives by WHO Leader
The Battle Against COVID-19 Rages On - WHO's Urgent Plea. Amidst the ongoing drama of the global pandemic, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, has echoed a grim reality - the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. Addressing the assembly in Geneva, his warning was reported by Total.kz.
In the crux of the discourse, equitable access to lifesaving vaccines has emerged as the key Battleground. According to Ghebreyesus, solidarity in this fight is paramount. "The world should damn well support mass inoculation campaigns to make sure that at least 10% of the population in each country is inoculated against COVID-19 by September, and at least 30% by year’s end," he asserted.
But it’s not enough just to talk the talk; the WHO calls for action. By September, the focus should shift towards vaccinating an additional 250 million people in low- and middle-income countries, prioritizing healthcare workers and high-risk groups.
The 74th World Health Assembly, convening representations from the WHO's 194 member states, is scheduled to conclude on June 1. The primary focus of this powwow remains combating the pandemic and avert oncoming health crises.
Some intriguing trends are brewing in the global health sphere that may offer a glimmer of hope in this grim battle. The WHO is proposing a global pandemic agreement to bolster health security and equity, with the intention of safeguarding future generations from pandemics. This agreement will be deliberated at the upcoming Assembly slated for May 19, 2025, emphasizing that diseases know no borders, and collective health security is a shared dream [1].
Moreover, progress has been made in rolling out new vaccines across low- and middle-income countries, even surpassing certain targets. However, challenges persist and are particularly acute in countries transitioning out of Gavi support, where vaccination coverage is waning [2]. Recognizing this flaw in the system, the WHO advocates for a coordinated global response to achieve the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) goals, which strive to expand vaccine access and bridge equity gaps [2].
In addition to its unyielding focus on COVID-19, the WHO continues to deploy critical resources in the face of emergencies. Distribution of mpox vaccines and diagnostic tests underscores the WHO’s unwavering commitment to global health equity and disaster preparedness [5].
While specific updates regarding the WHO’s plea for equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines remain scarce, the WHO's broader mission to foster global health equity and emergency preparedness is still in the running. It’s time to band together – for the sake of humanity, and to ensure that this virus doesn't claim another victim.
- Tedros Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, has urged the world to prioritize mass inoculation campaigns to ensure at least 10% of the population in each country is vaccinated against COVID-19 by September, and at least 30% by the end of the year.
- By September, the World Health Organization calls for a focused effort to vaccinate an additional 250 million people in low- and middle-income countries, prioritizing healthcare workers and high-risk groups.
- Including healthcare and wellness, the 74th World Health Assembly, consisting of the WHO's 194 member states, is scheduled to address and combat ongoing pandemics and avert future health crises.
- The World Health Organization is not only tackling COVID-19 but also remains committed to global health equity and disaster preparedness, as demonstrated by its distribution of mpox vaccines and diagnostic tests.
