WHO Warns Against Collective Amnesia On COVID-19 And Urges Continued Vigilance

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned against forgetting the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic. They stress the importance of protecting ourselves and loved ones from respiratory diseases. These include COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which pose significant risks to vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, expressed concern over what he termed "collective amnesia" regarding COVID-19. He acknowledged that people wish to move past the pandemic's trauma but emphasised that COVID-19 remains a threat alongside other respiratory viruses. "Collective amnesia on COVID-19 has set in and this is concerning," he stated.

In Europe and Central Asia, 53 countries continue to face up to 72,000 deaths annually from seasonal influenza. This represents about 20% of the global burden. Dr Kluge highlighted that most of these fatalities are preventable through vaccination, which can protect the most vulnerable from severe illness.

From late August to late September, WHO's European region recorded over 278,000 COVID-19 cases and 748 deaths. These figures span from Cyprus to Moldova and Ireland to Russia. The numbers are higher than any other WHO region and likely underestimate the true situation.

Since its emergence in late 2019, COVID-19 has claimed more than seven million lives worldwide. The highest death tolls have been reported in the United States (1.2 million), Brazil (702,000), India (534,000), and Russia (403,000). These statistics underscore the ongoing impact of the virus globally.

The WHO's campaign aims to raise awareness about these persistent threats and encourage protective measures. Vaccination remains a key strategy in preventing illness and reducing severe outcomes among at-risk populations.

The organisation urges individuals and communities not to overlook these dangers despite a desire to move forward from past challenges. Protecting oneself through vaccination is crucial in mitigating risks associated with respiratory diseases.

With inputs from WAM