On Friday, the number of COVID-19 deaths across the globe has reached over 4 million.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the lives of millions of people across the globe. But, while vaccines are already rolling out, the crisis has yet to conclude.
Following the latest developments, the World Health Organization recently released a word regarding the matter. On Wednesday, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reminded the public that the world reached another “grim milestone” due to the pandemic.
This comes after the overall number of deaths has reached more than 4 million last week. He said that the world is “at a perilous point,” according to the World Is One News (WION).
The world is at a “perilous point”
During the organization’s recent media briefing, the Director-General talked about several points regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. He began by stating that the world is at a dangerous moment in the current crisis.
The death toll reportedly surpassed the 4 million mark on July 2. As noted, this comes as many western countries continue to unlock their respective economies, while nations across Asia remain in crisis.
Based on analysis from Reuters, the publication said that “it took nearly a year” to record the two million coronavirus deaths. As for the next two million, however, it only took 166 days.
“The world is at a perilous point in this pandemic.
We have just passed the tragic milestone of 4 million recorded #COVID19 deaths, which likely underestimates the overall toll”-@DrTedros
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 7, 2021
COVID-19 variants winning the race
Apart from crossing the shocking and grave milestone, the World Health Organization chief also took a swipe at some countries. He specifically directed his statements to the nations “who have high vaccination coverage.”
Ghebreyesus said that these countries are “dropping” safety measures. They are “relaxing as though the COVID-19 pandemic is already over.”
He consequently included the subject of vaccinations, particularly the “contrast” between high and low-income countries. He claimed that “variants” are winning the race against vaccines due to “inequitable vaccine production and distribution.”
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, later on, urged several nations to “drop vaccine nationalism” and help other countries. He encouraged the donation of COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX program.
Latest in numbers of cases and deaths
As of the time of writing, the number of coronavirus cases has reached over 186 million. As for the total deaths, the figure is 4,028,721, as per Worldometer.
Reports said that 50 percent of the total COVID-19 deaths are from India, Russia, Mexico, and the United States. Nevertheless, the WHO chief noted that the current record “likely underestimates” the actual overall toll.
Featured image courtesy of World Health Organization (WHO)/YouTube