COVID-19: Death Toll Hits One Million

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that the world has recorded one million  COVID-19 deaths in 2022, a ”tragic milestone” that must lead to more people being vaccinated against the disease.

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus revealed this on Thursday during an online media briefing.

“We cannot say we are learning to live with COVID-19 when one million people have died with COVID-19 this year alone.

“When we are two-and-a-half years into the pandemic and have all the tools necessary to prevent these deaths,” Ghebreyesus said.

He called on the government at all levels to scale up action to vaccinate all health workers, older persons, and others at highest risk, as part of efforts toward inoculating 70 per cent of the global population.

The WHO boss said he was pleased to see that some countries with the lowest vaccination rates were now gaining ground, especially Africa.

“In January, WHO and partners launched the COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Partnership, focused mainly on the 34 countries that were at or below 10 per cent coverage.  All but six are on the continent.

“Today, only 10 countries still have less than 10 per cent coverage, most of which are facing humanitarian emergencies,” he said,  adding that vaccinations were still lagging.

“All countries at all income levels must do more to vaccinate those most at risk, to ensure access to life-saving therapeutics, to continue testing and sequencing.

“Also, to set tailored, proportionate policies to limit transmission and save lives. This is the best way to drive a truly sustainable recovery,” he said.