The Chief Of WHO: The Impression That The Pandemic Is Over Is False

General Director of World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhan Ghebreyesus, called on world governments not to give the impression that the covid-19 pandemic had ended. He pointed out that the risks of discovering new dangerous variants of coronavirus remain real.

According to the DPA agency, Tedros acknowledged that the number of reported cases of covid and deaths fell by 90 percent compared to their maximum in January. He stated that restrictions were lifted in many countries as a result. However, he pointed out that the impression that the pandemic had ended was false.

During his speech in Indonesia, where health ministers from the G20, which brings together the world's largest economies, met, Tedros said the World Health Organization was still very concerned about the lack of testing for covid. He noted that due to the low level of testing and sequencing, we "do not perceive the development of the virus".

Tedros also expressed concern that the lessons learned from the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic would fade and "the cycle of panic and omission will be repeated."

According to the DPA, G20 health ministers are expected to discuss ways to strengthen global health systems, harmonize covid-related health protocols and standardize international travel documents at a meeting in Indonesia, said Indonesian Ministry spokeswoman Nadia Tarmizi.

The spokeswoman emphasised that "global cooperation is crucial for overcoming the pandemic and ensuring that we are ready for the next one".

The meeting in Indonesia was therefore identified by Tarmizi as important in gaining support to increase the capacity of national, regional and global health systems.

Health ministers will also meet with G20 finance ministers on Tuesday to discuss a fund that would include public and private resources to prevent and respond to future pandemics.