WHO: Covid Pandemic ‘Finish Line’ In Sight
ForbesJUL 2022
The WHO's optimism that the pandemic may be ending is warranted, but vaccination is a huge tool in continuing to bring these COVID numbers down. About two-thirds of the world, and the US, have been vaccinated, but those numbers could be better, especially in lower-income countries. Without optimizing the vaccine tools we have, hospitalizations and deaths will hold steady.
It's okay to take Tedros' words with a grain of salt. COVID numbers are decreasing, but there needs to be a cost-benefit calculation about pressing hard with stringent public health measures and the adverse effects on society and the economy. At this point, most scientists agree that the virus is unlikely to ever be eradicated, and learning to live with and manage the disease is a viable strategy.
A responsible conversation about the potential wind-down of the pandemic means talking about those left disabled with "Long COVID." The WHO estimates that 17M people in Europe and Central Asia may have this condition. Worldwide, this figure may be 150M people or higher. The potential impacts on physical health, mental health, society, and the economy are enormous - this issue must be given the attention it deserves.