According to the World Health Organization (WHO), although the number of deaths recorded globally has decreased by 80% since February, last week saw one COVID-19 death every 44 seconds.
In order to stop all preventable fatalities, it encouraged nations to step up efforts in testing, vaccination, risk communication, community participation, among other treatments.
The Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, stated during a virtual press conference on COVID-19 and monkeypox that "the global drop in reported cases and death is continuing, and this is very encouraging. However, there is no assurance that this pattern will continue. The biggest risk is assuming they will.
“The number of weekly reported deaths may have dropped by more than 80 per cent since February, but even so, last week, one person died with COVID-19 every 44 seconds.
“Most of those deaths are avoidable. The pandemic is not over. We understand that many governments are dealing with multiple challenges and competing priorities. To support them, WHO will next week publish a set of six short policy briefs outlining the essential actions that all governments can take to reduce transmission and save lives.
“The briefs will contain the essential elements of testing, clinical management, vaccination, infection prevention and control, risk communication and community engagement, and managing the infodemic. We hope countries will use these briefs to reassess and readjust their policies to protect those most at risk, treat those who need it and save lives.”
Concerning Monkeypox virus, the WHO Chief said: “We are continuing to see a downward trend in Europe, while the reported cases from the Americas also declined last week. It is hard to draw fair conclusions about the epidemic in that region.
“Some countries in the Americas continue to report increasing number of cases and in some there is likely to be underreporting due to stigma and discrimination or a lack of information for those who need it most. A downward trend can be a most dangerous time if it opens the door to complacency. WHO continues to recommend that all countries persist with a tailored combination of public health measures, testing, research and target vaccination where vaccines are available.”