The head of the World Health Organization on Monday warned of a "two-track pandemic" even though COVID-19 cases and deaths have declined in recent weeks. Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said: "Globally, we continue to see encouraging signs in the trajectory of the pandemic. The number of new cases of COVID-19 reported to WHO has now declined for six weeks, and deaths have declined for five weeks. However, we still see a mixed picture around the world. He urged the developed countries to provide get more vaccines to developing countries, saying that an unequal distribution of vaccines has allowed the virus to continue spreading, thus increasing odds of a variant emerging that could render these treatments ineffective. "Increasingly, we see a two-track pandemic: many countries still face an extremely dangerous situation, while some of those with the highest vaccination rates are starting to talk about ending restrictions," the WHO chief warned. The WHO chief recently called for a global push to vaccinate at least 10 percent of the world's population by September, and 30 percent by December. Reaching the September target will require an additional 250 million doses, with 100 million needed in June and July alone. Dr. Tedros issued an appeal to leaders of the G7, who are meeting this weekend, urging them to help meet the target. "This weekend, the leaders of G7 countries will meet for their annual summit. I am calling on the G7 not just to commit to sharing doses, but to commit to sharing them in June and July." "The biggest barrier to ending the pandemic remains sharing: of doses, of resources, of technology," he added. — Agencies
