Covid 'still a worry', says WHO 

WHO technical lead on covid-19 Dr Maria Van Kerkhove: Covid 19 'still a global health threat'.

Covid is still a worry as the global fight against the virus enters a new phase, the World Health Organization has warned.

This condition develops for some people infected by the virus, often leading to months of debilitating symptoms.

WHO technical lead on covid-19 Dr Maria Van Kerkhove said: “I’m worried” about the status of covid, adding “we are certainly in a different phase” now.

“It’s marked by reduced impact compared to the peak of covid 19 a few years ago,” she said.

“But it’s still a global health threat and it’s still a pandemic causing far too many (re)infections, hospitalisations, deaths and long covid when tools exist to prevent them.” 

She called on governments to remember the tragedies of the early days of the pandemic, and the ongoing crisis facing many people.

“We can’t forget those who died alone and the people dying now — thousands each week,” she said.

“The hundreds of thousands in hospital right now fighting for their lives. Those suffering from long covid struggling each and every day.” 

The virus is still evolving, she posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

“We are entering the 5th year of the pandemic,” she said.

The variant JN.1 is becoming dominant, she said. This was recently marked as a variant of interest by the WHO.

“The covid19 pandemic was not normal. It didn’t have to be this bad… and this wasn’t even the worst pandemic we need to prepare for,” she said.

“So let’s talk the positive and the future because, while I’m worried, I’m also hopeful and optimistic.” 

She expressed gratitude to healthcare workers and scientists, highlighting the dramatic difference vaccines made to the pandemic.

“These advancements must be maintained to deal with covid19 and all pathogens that have epidemic and pandemic potential,” she said including the flu and other contagious diseases in her message.