Published By : Prameya News Bureau | March 02, 2021 IST
Share
Geneva, March 2: The World Health Organization (WHO) said that it is "unrealistic" to expect the Covid-19 pandemic to be over by the end of 2021. "I think it will be very premature, and I think unrealistic, to think that we're going to finish with this virus by the end of the year," Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHO's Health Emergencies Program, said at a press conference here on Monday, Xinhua news agency reported. "But I think what we can, if we're smart, finish with the hospitalizations, the deaths and the tragedy associated with this pandemic," he said. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist of the WHO, added that "the goal of COVAX is to bring an end to the acute phase of the pandemic by the end of 2021." COVAX is a program led by the WHO, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) aiming at distributing Covid-19 vaccines around the world. "We still face a huge challenge in rolling out vaccines equitably and fairly to those who most need them around the world," Ryan said. "We're in a much better position than we were. But nothing is guaranteed," he added. As the world is struggling to contain the pandemic, vaccination is underway in some countries with the already-authorized coronavirus vaccines. Meanwhile, 256 candidate vaccines are still being developed worldwide -- 74 of them in clinical trials -- in countries including Germany, China, Russia, Britain and the United States, according to information released by the WHO on February 26. (IANS)
News7 Is Now On WhatsApp Join And Get Latest News Updates Delivered To You Via WhatsApp
You Might Also Like
More From Related News
Patient awareness and interaction programme marks World Liver Day at AIIMS Bhubaneswar
Rising cases of pediatric liver issues linked to junk food epidemic
Vital organ, vital importance: Why maintaining liver health matters
World Liver Day 2024: These factors contribute to liver damage
Nestle baby food sugar study causes concern in India, Nestle India's shares fall
World Voice Day observed at SUM Phulnakhara Campus
Cadaveric kidney transplant performed at SCB Hospital
Closure of regn counter sparks tension at Bhubaneswar AIIMS
From pain to comfort: Discover the doctor who cares for your bad back
Boys born to mothers with HIV more vulnerable to death in infancy
World Hemophilia Day: Solidarity for people living with rare genetic disorder
AIIMS Bhubaneswar launches advanced Artificial Urinary Sphincter(AUS) implantation service
Indians up their spending on dieticians by 125 pc in FY24: Report
Zomato introduces 'large order fleet' for gatherings of up to 50 people
Critical patient successfully treated at SUM Phulnakhara campus
Nasal cells shield kids from Covid, Study finds
Scientists decode how exercise can reverse ageing
Remove Bournvita from category of ‘health drinks’: Govt tells e-commerce firms
Menstruation signifies femininity and fertility, not impurity
44% Odisha people never check blood pressure: ICMY study