 Many world leaders attend the WHO videoconference on May 24, 2021. (Photo: AFP/VNA) |
Addressing the opening of the World Health Organization’s annual assembly of member states on Monday, Guterres said rich countries have vaccinated the majority of their people and opened their economies, while the coronavirus continues to cause deep suffering by circling and mutating in the poorest countries.
Further spikes and surges could claim hundreds of thousands of additional lives, and slow the global economic recovery, he said. In addition to battling COVID-19, Guterres stressed the importance of preparing for the next pandemic, backing a range of recommendations put before the assembly for reform and strengthening of the WHO and of the global health system.