Marrakech – Four years into the pandemic, Covid-19 continues to claim lives, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting that the virus is still responsible for around 1,700 deaths globally every week.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concern over declining vaccine coverage, particularly among high-risk groups such as health workers and individuals over 60.
“Despite the continued death toll, data show that vaccine coverage has declined among health workers and people over 60, which are two of the most at-risk groups,” Tedros stated during a press conference yesterday.
He emphasized the importance of these high-risk groups receiving a Covid-19 vaccine within 12 months of their last dose to maintain protection against the disease.
While the official Covid-19 death toll reported to the WHO exceeds seven million, the true impact of the pandemic is believed to be significantly higher.
The virus has not only taken lives but has also severely damaged economies and health systems worldwide.
In May 2023, more than three years after the virus was first detected in Wuhan, China, Tedros declared an end to Covid-19 as an international public health emergency.
However, the WHO continues to urge governments to maintain virus surveillance, ensure access to reliable tests and treatments, and promote vaccination efforts.
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