WHO chief warns
New virus may emerge – deadlier than Corona
At the WHO annual meeting in Geneva, the health authority warns of a deadly new pathogen – worse than Corona. Nation-states would have to prepare accordingly.
Publication: 7:33 pm
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Updated: 8:59 pm
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WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus warns of the consequences of a deadlier virus that could cause the next pandemic at the annual general assembly in Geneva.
The corona pandemic is still in people’s bones. But, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world is facing an even worse disease.
On Tuesday, the health authority in Geneva warned of a lack of preparedness for a new crisis. Because the next pandemic is sure to come. And, according to the WHO, it could be difficult: the governments of all national states would have to prepare for a new virus potentially deadlier than Covid, said WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (58) during the meeting. annual report, as the British newspaper “The Independent” reported.
According to Ghebreyesus, there is a risk of emerging a pathogen that causes serious illness. “The risk is unmistakably present.”
Find global answers to future crises
Ghebreyesus appeals to the responsibility of nation states: “If we don’t make the necessary changes, who will?” Indeed, the danger is real.
Since 2009, American scientists have discovered more than 900 types of viruses. Researchers are looking for the next pandemic virus, the potential next corona.
The WHO has been pushing for research on a handful of specific infectious diseases for some time. The authority ranks Ebola, Marburg and Zika virus pathogens as the greatest threat.
Comprehensive Pandemic Treaty under ratification
The 194 WHO member states are currently negotiating binding rules in Geneva that define their obligations and tasks in the event of an international health threat. The goal is to deal with threats in a more coordinated way.
A first step is in perspective: a comprehensive pandemic treaty between states is about to be ratified. “This generation’s commitment to a pandemic deal is important because they’ve seen how terrible a small virus can be,” Ghebreyesus said.
A few weeks ago, the WHO announced that the global health emergency surrounding Covid-19 would be lifted. The virus claimed nearly seven million lives worldwide. (The)