WHO pledges to intensify fight against pandemic

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has promised to use every tool at its disposal to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, its Director General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, has said.

Ghebreyesus spoke at the closing of two-day virtual World Health Assembly in Geneva.

In his speech posted on WHO website, Ghebreyesus said some of the recommendations from the assembly would be shared and be implemented.

“WHO’s focus now is fighting the pandemic with every tool at its disposal.

“Our focus is on saving lives. At the end of the day, what matters is life. That should be at the centre of everything we do and everything we say.

“I’ve been heartened by the way countries have shared experiences, best practices through our regular Member State briefings and at this Assembly,’’ he said.

The director general said the agency would continue to provide strategic leadership to coordinate the global response and support efforts by countries.

“We will continue providing the world with epidemiological information and analysis.

“We will continue to keep the world informed and give people and communities the information they need to keep themselves and each other safe.

“We will continue shipping diagnostics, personal protective equipment and other medical supplies all over the world.

“We will continue bringing together leading experts from around the world to develop technical advice, based on the best science.

“We will continue driving research and development to develop evidence about vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics,’’ he said.

Ghebreyesus, also said the agency would continue to work with countries and all relevant partners to ensure equitable access to the tools to prevent, detect and treat COVID-19.

“We will continue supporting countries to prepare and respond. We will continue working with countries to sustain essential health services.

“We will continue to work day and night to support the most vulnerable countries and populations.”