Anti-Covid vaccines have saved at least 1.4 million lives in Europe, the regional head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, reminding that the virus is “enduring”.
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“Today, 1.4 million people in our region – most of them elderly – can enjoy life with their loved ones because they have made the important decision to get vaccinated against Covid-19,” said Hans Kluge during an online Press conference.
According to WHO data as of December 19, 2023, more than 277.7 million cases of Covid-19 and more than 2.2 million deaths have been reported in the region, which includes 53 countries and stretches into Central Asia.
“The first booster vaccination alone saved around 700,000 lives,” emphasized the doctor.
In winter it is important to protect yourself and those most at risk.
“As we learn to live with Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses, it is absolutely important for vulnerable populations to stay up to date on their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations.”
Europe must absolutely continue to invest in its health, he emphasized.
“We risk not being prepared for extraordinary eventualities, such as the emergence of a new, more serious variant of Covid-19 or an as yet unknown pathogen,” said Kluge.
It must make financial efforts to improve the situation of health workers and address the shortage of basic medicines.
“I am deeply concerned that health is disappearing from the political agenda and that we are failing to address the ticking time bomb facing our health and care workforce,” Ms Kluge said.