Nigeria and other nations have been warned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be ready for a second global pandemic following the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Speaking at the 76th World Health Assembly, which is now taking place in Geneva and is intended to address global health concerns such as preventing future pandemics and eliminating polio, among others, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus raised the alarm on Monday.
The COVID-19 virus is still a threat to global health, according to Ghebreyesus, who noted that there is a chance that a new variety will develop and trigger fresh outbreaks of disease and fatalities.
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“And the threat of another pathogen emerging with even deadlier potential remains. And pandemics are far from the only threat we face. In a world of overlapping and converging crises, an effective architecture for health emergency preparedness and response must address emergencies of all kinds.
“This year’s High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Preparedness and Response is a valuable opportunity for leaders to chart a clear path forward towards that future.
“We cannot kick this can down the road. If we do not make the changes that must be made, then who will? And if we do not make them now, then when? When the next pandemic comes knocking – and it will – we must be ready to answer decisively, collectively and equitably,” the WHO DG said.
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