TheCable

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says about 10 percent of the world population may have contracted COVID-19.

Mike Ryan, the executive director of the WHO’s health emergencies programme, disclosed this on Monday during a special session of the organisation’s executive board.

According to Worldometer, over 35 million cases of the coronavirus have been recorded globally.

But with an estimated 7.6 billion world population, according to WHO’s estimates, 760 million people may have had the virus — this is more than 20 times the number of confirmed cases.

Ryan added that the implication of the figure is that “majority of the world remains at risk”.

“Our current best estimates tell us that about 10 percent of the global population may have been infected by this virus,” Ryan said.

“This varies depending on country; it varies from urban to rural; it varies between different groups.

“But what it does mean is that the vast majority of the world remains at risk. We know the pandemic will continue to evolve, but we also know we have the tools that work to suppress transmission and save lives right now and they are at our disposal.”

Also speaking at the session, Tedros Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO, called for cooperation and leadership from all countries of the world.

“What we have learned in every region of the world is that with strong leadership, clear and comprehensive strategies, consistent communication, and engaged, empowered and enabled population, it’s never too late. Every situation can be turned around — and hard-won gains can be easily lost,” Ghebreyesus said.

“The pandemic underlines the fundamental importance of investing in public health and primary health care.

“Although all countries have been affected by this virus, we must remember that this is an uneven pandemic. Ten countries account for 70 percent of all reported cases and deaths and just three countries account for half.”