WHO confirms the spread of “Omicron” at an unrivalled rate
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Roshan Amiri
- . December 16, 2021
- . Update: December 17, 2021 10:41 am
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 77 countries have so far reported cases of Omicron mutated infections, but noted that the mutation may be widespread in most countries, even if it has not been verified.
The United Nations News website quoted the Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus saying that Omicron ‘is spreading at a rate that we have not seen with any previous mutant.’
He explained that even if Omicron did not cause a more serious disease, the huge number of cases could once again overwhelm ill-equipped health systems. ‘I must be very clear: Vaccines alone will not get any country out of this crisis,’ he said. ‘Countries can – and must – prevent the spread of Omicron through following effective preventive measures.’
He pointed out that vaccines are the tools that have the greatest impact to protect people who are at risk. According to World Health Organization, 41 countries are still unable to vaccinate 10% of their population, and 98 countries have not reached the 40% target. There are also significant disparities between population groups in the same country.
