TheCable

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised the alarm over an increase in the number of COVID-19 infections and deaths recorded worldwide.

Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO director-general, said over 5.2 million new cases were recorded globally last week, while infection and hospitalisation rates are increasing at an “alarming rate” among people aged 29 to 59.

The rising infection rate comes amid efforts by various countries to vaccinate their populations.

Over 920 million vaccine shots have been administered worldwide, with about 208 million people fully vaccinated.

“It took nine months to reach one million deaths, four months to reach two million and three months to reach three million deaths. Big numbers can make us numb, but each one of these deaths is a tragedy for families, communities and nations,” Ghebreyesus told journalists in Geneva on Tuesday.

“Last week, new cases of COVID-19 increased for the eighth week in a row, deaths rose for the fifth straight week. Infections and hospitalisations among people aged 25 to 59 are increasing at an alarming rate.

“We have the tools to bring this pandemic under control in a matter of months, if we apply them consistently and equitably.”

More than three million persons have died worldwide as a result of COVID-19 complications.