The World Health Organization on Friday warned that the global toll from the coronavirus could hit two million (20 lakh) before an effectiv...
The World Health Organization on Friday warned that the global toll from the coronavirus could hit two million (20 lakh) before an effective vaccine against the virus is widely available. Mike Ryan, the WHO’s emergencies head, said the figure could actually be higher without relentless global action to combat the disease.
“One million is a terrible number and we need to reflect on that, before we start considering a second million,” Ryan told a virtual news conference, when asked if it was unthinkable that two million people could die in the pandemic.
Ryan added that fatality rates were dropping as treatments for the disease improve. But better treatments and even effective vaccines might not be enough on their own to prevent deaths surpassing two million, he added.
The WHO expert said the question was whether countries were prepared to collectively do what it takes to avoid the number. “If we don’t take those actions... yes, we will be looking at that number and sadly much higher,” he added. “Unless we do it all, the numbers you speak about are not only imaginable but unfortunately, and sadly, very likely.”
Media briefing on #COVID19 with @DrTedros https://t.co/4ro4un8oni
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) September 25, 2020
Ryan’s remarks came as toll from the coronavirus...
