World must prepare for disease more deadlier than Covid, WHO chief warns

According to a report by The Independent, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), has emphasised the need for global readiness in the face of a potentially more lethal virus than Covid-19. He stated that Covid-19 has already claimed a minimum of 20 million lives. The WHO has recently declared that the Covid-19 pandemic no longer constitutes a health emergency.

During the annual health assembly in Geneva, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasised the urgency of progressing discussions on preventing future pandemics. In a gathering of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, the head of the WHO expressed concern that the Covid-19 pandemic is still ongoing and far from being resolved.

Tedros conveyed that there is still a looming risk of the emergence of new variants that could lead to fresh waves of illness and fatalities. He highlighted the persistent danger of another pathogen emerging, which could possess an even greater capacity for lethality.

Tedros cautioned that nation states cannot afford to delay or ignore the issue, as the next global disease is inevitable and will inevitably demand attention. He emphasised that the problem cannot be avoided or postponed indefinitely, and it will eventually confront the world.

According to the Daily Mail, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified nine diseases as the highest priority in terms of their potential risk to public health. These diseases were categorised as particularly risky due to either the absence of effective treatments or their capacity to trigger a pandemic.

‘COVID-19 has completely disrupted our world’

According to The Mirror, he stated, “The Covid-19 pandemic, the most severe health crisis in a century, caught the world off guard and exposed its lack of preparedness. In the last three years, Covid-19 has completely disrupted our world. While around seven million deaths have been officially reported, we are aware that the actual toll is much higher, at least 20 million.”

During the annual health assembly, he urged, “If we fail to initiate the necessary changes, who else will take action? And if we fail to act promptly, then when will we?” He emphasised the importance of being prepared to respond decisively, collectively, and fairly when the next pandemic inevitably occurs.

Dr. Tedros remarked, “It is crucial for this generation to commit to a pandemic accord since we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of a tiny virus.” The WHO’s announcement comes merely four months after China lifted its long-lasting restrictions on zero-Covid policies, only to face a significant surge in infections.