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May 7, 2022

Andrew Campbell 

By the end of 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic had caused approximately 14.9 million deaths worldwide, according to latest data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on excess mortality attributed to the coronavirus disease. New WHO estimates suggest that the total mortality toll connected with the COVID-19 pandemic was roughly 14.9 million between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, after living with COVID-19 for more than 2 years (range 13.3 million to 16.6 million).

In many places, the omicron wave is subsiding due to its high transmissibility and milder course than earlier variations, especially among those who are completely vaccinated and have no comorbidities. Inequity in vaccination distribution persists. The WHO's goal of vaccinating at least 70% of people in every country by June 2022 is far out of reach. Even though 59.7 percent of people worldwide have got two vaccine doses, in more than 40 countries fewer than 20% of people are completely vaccinated.

Now is the moment to plan, learn from failures, and build robust, resilient health systems, as well as long-term national and international preparation programs. The 75th World Health Assembly, which will prevail from May 22 to 29, will provide an opportunity to examine progress toward updating the International Health Regulations and continue discussions on a pandemic treaty, which has been much too long in coming.