Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus told a meeting of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
in Tokyo that “the pandemic is a test and the world is failing”.
He
also warned that anyone who thinks the pandemic is over because cases
are under control in their country is living in “a fool’s paradise”.
Dr
Tedros also said that it is a “horrifying injustice” that 75% of the
vaccine shots delivered globally so far were in just 10 countries.
He
added: “More than four million people have died and more continue to
die. Already this year, the number of deaths is more than double last
year’s total.
“In the time it takes me to make these remarks, more than 100 people will lose their lives to COVID-19.
“And by the time the Olympic flame is extinguished on 8 August, more than 100,000 more people will perish.”
The
WHO is urging governments to come together to reach a target of
vaccinating 70% of people in every country by the middle of 2022.
Estimates suggest that the world will need to produce 11 billion doses next year.
During his speech, Dr Tedros added: “The pandemic will end when the world chooses to end it. It is in our hands.”
He
also warned that a global failure to share vaccines, tests and
treatments – including oxygen – is fuelling a “two-track pandemic” where
the haves are easing restrictions, while the have-nots are returning to
lockdowns.
“The longer this discrepancy persists, the longer the
pandemic will drag on, and so will the social and economic turmoil it
brings,” Dr Tedros said.
Despite his dire predictions, the WHO
chief said the Tokyo Olympics should go ahead in order to demonstrate to
the world what can be achieved with the right plan and sufficient
measures.
Dr Tedros said the world needs the Games – which were delayed for a year because of the pandemic – as a “celebration of hope”.
Source: Skynews