2021 was a year in which we lost 3.5 million people to COVID-19 – more deaths than from HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined in 2020.
WHO issued updated guidance for health workers, recommending the use of either a respirator or a medical mask.
Only half of WHO’s Member States have been able to reach the target of vaccinating 40% of their populations by the end of the year.
Today, COVAX shipped its 800 millionth vaccine dose. Half of those doses have been shipped in the past three months.
SAGE expressed concern that blanket booster programmes will exacerbate vaccine inequity.
WHO is working to identify the next generation of vaccines through the Solidarity Trial Vaccines. The trial includes two vaccines, three others will be included shortly.