The UN health agency is also concerned that more severe variants of Coronavirus may appear soon.
“COVID-19 is still very much with us,” and is circulating in all countries, said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of WHO told reporters in Geneva.
Test positive
“Data from our sentinel-based surveillance system across 84 countries report that the rate of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 has been increased over the weeks,” she speaks. “Overall, the positive test rate is above 10 percent.But this varies from region to region. In Europe, the positivity rate is over 20 percent.“, she added.
New waves of infections have been recorded in the Americas, Europe and the Western Pacific.
Wastewater monitoring shows SARS-CoV-2 circulation levels two to 20 times higher than current data.
Such high infection prevalence during the summer months in the northern hemisphere is atypical for respiratory virusestends to spread mainly in cold temperatures.
“In recent months, regardless of the season, many countries have experienced a surge in COVID-19, including the Olympics where at least 40 athletes tested positiveDr. Van Kerkhove said.
As the virus continues to evolve and spread, the risk of a more severe strain emerging that is able to evade detection systems and not respond to medical intervention increases.
Raising awareness about vaccines
Although hospitalisations – including intensive care – remain far lower than at the height of the pandemic, WHO is calling on governments to ramp up vaccination campaigns, ensuring that the most at-risk groups receive at least one jab every 12 months.
“As individuals, it is important to take steps to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness, including making sure you’ve had a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 12 months, especially if you’re in a high-risk group”, Dr. Van Kerkhove emphasized.
WHO admits that vaccine supplies have been significantly reduced over the past 12 to 18 months as the number of COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers has recently declined.
“It’s very difficult for them to maintain this pace,” Dr. Van Kerkhove explained. “And certainly, they don’t need to maintain the pace they had in 2021 and 2022. But let’s be clear, there is a market for a COVID-19 vaccine. [already] out there.”
Move forward
A nasal spray vaccine is still in development but has the potential to address transmission, thereby reducing the risk of variants, infections and more severe disease.
“I am concerned,” said WHO’s top COVID expert.
“With such low coverage and such a large circulation, If we have a more severe variant, then the likelihood of severe disease in the at-risk population is very high.Dr. Van Kerkhove warns.
