WHO: COVID-19 still claims 1,700 lives weekly, urges continued vaccination

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) - COVID-19 continues to claim approximately 1,700 lives each week globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Thursday, urging at-risk populations to stay vigilant and maintain vaccination schedules.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, highlighted the ongoing risk posed by the virus, emphasizing the decline in vaccine protection over time.

He noted during a press conference that "the data shows that protection through vaccines has declined among health workers and people over 60 years of age, who are among the most vulnerable groups."

Tedros added, "WHO recommends that people in high-risk groups receive the COVID-19 vaccine within 12 months of their last dose."

The WHO has documented over seven million COVID-19-related deaths, though the actual toll is believed to be significantly higher. The pandemic has had devastating impacts on global economies and healthcare systems.

While Tedros declared the end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency in May 2023, the WHO continues to urge governments to monitor and sequence the virus and to ensure access to reliable and affordable tests, treatments, and vaccines.