The virus remains circulating around the world, but relatively few countries are closely tracking infections. This means the real threat posed by the coronavirus and its variants could be between two and 19 times greater than the threat reported to the WHO.
The agency's coronavirus chief, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, told reporters in Geneva that data from just 50 countries showed the virus was still killing 10,000 people per month. .
“On the positive side, the number of deaths has fallen significantly compared to the peak a few years ago,” the official said.
Of the 10,000 deaths reported in December, more than half were reported from the United States, and an additional 1,000 from Italy.
She said it was clear that other deaths were simply not recorded, but that “doesn't mean they aren't happening.”
Dr Van Kerkhove also noted with concern the sharp rise in hospital admissions and admissions to intensive care units, warning that these numbers were likely to rise further during the holiday season.
United Nations health agency officials said many countries continue to suffer needlessly from the coronavirus, which can be prevented with proper testing, antiviral drugs, good clinical care, oxygen and vaccination.
More than 336,000 people need emergency aid in Republic of Congo
The World Health Organization said Friday that more than 336,000 people are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance due to widespread flooding caused by unusually heavy rains in the Republic of Congo.
Floods damaged medical facilities and schools, and submerged large areas of important agricultural land.
Nine of the country's 12 prefectures have been affected, with those in the country's north and those bordering the Congo River being the worst affected.
Experts estimate that the current rainfall is twice the average recorded in the 2022-2023 season.
Floods destroyed or damaged 34 health facilities, 120 schools, and more than 64,000 homes in the affected areas.
Humanitarian needs are expected to increase and the plight of affected people to worsen.
“WHO is committed to supporting governments to strengthen emergency responses to save lives and ensure access to critical basic services,” said Dr. Lucien Manga, WHO Representative in the Republic of the Congo. I am. “We are working with our partners to strengthen relief efforts, support livelihoods and limit the threat of disease outbreaks.”
WHO is working with partners to intensify efforts to provide emergency health services to prevent the spread of the disease. Essential medicines and life-saving medical supplies. Ensure critical quality health services through functional medical facilities and mobile clinics.
People shop at a market on the outskirts of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka: OHCHR concerned about crackdown on drug abusers
The United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) said on Friday that it is deeply concerned that Sri Lanka is adopting a “high security-based response” as a means of tackling illicit drug abuse.
Spokeswoman Liz Throssell said a “staggering” 29,000 people had been arrested on drug-related charges since December 17, with some alleging they had been abused and tortured.
Security forces reportedly carried out raids without search warrants, detained suspected drug dealers and users, and sent thousands to military-run rehabilitation centres.
“During and after these operations, people were reported to have been subjected to numerous violations, including unauthorized searches, arbitrary arrest and detention, ill-treatment, torture, and strip searches in public places.” Throssell said. Representatives for the detainees claim they faced intimidation from police officers.
Drugs are a pressing problem for every society, but “a heavy-handed law enforcement approach is not the answer,” she added.
“Drug abuse and the factors that lead to it are first and foremost public health and social issues. Those suspected of selling or trafficking drugs must be treated humanely, with full respect for due process and a transparent and fair trial. have the right to receive it.”
What is needed, she said, is the right support and programs that address the root causes of addiction and enable reintegration into society.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called on Sri Lanka to review the ongoing Yuktiya operation and implement a human rights-based approach, Throssell said, adding that there are no abuses of power, torture, mistreatment or denial. He added that there is a suspicion that Due process rules “must be thoroughly and fairly investigated.”