The World Health Organization’s (WHO) chief, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, is hopeful that the COVID-19 emergency will come to an end this year [1]. In an interview with the BBC, he expressed his belief that it is possible to achieve this goal in 2021.
“I think we can do it this year,” Dr Tedros stated confidently.
The key to accomplishing this is maintaining the momentum of vaccinations.
“With the political commitment, the resources, and the vaccine, I think we can finish this within this year,” he emphasized.
Currently, the world is still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is newfound hope for a resolution. More than 1.3 billion doses of the vaccine have been administered worldwide. However, vaccination rates in some countries are starting to slow down [2].
Despite the progress made, WHO Dr. Tedros stressed the importance of not becoming complacent.
“We should not let our guard down,” he urged. “We should continue to use all the public health measures that we know can prevent transmission.”
These measures include wearing masks, practicing proper hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing. Also ensuring that individuals with symptoms receive prompt medical attention.
If the global community continues to prioritize vaccination efforts and adheres to essential public health measures. There is a promising chance that the pandemic can be brought under control this year.
Let us remain hopeful that Dr. Tedros’ optimistic outlook materializes, allowing us to finally put an end to this nightmarish chapter in our history. As we navigate the path ahead, let us remember that collective efforts are crucial in overcoming this global health crisis [2].