European Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides welcomed this Friday the World Health Organization (WHO) announcement about the “new phase” of the Covid-19 pandemic, stressing the importance of not forgetting “the need to to “continue” with vaccination, “mainly in the most vulnerable countries”.
“We are entering a new phase, after more than three years. It is clear that with the announcement of the WHO, it is important not to lose sight of the point we are at,” said Kyriakides, recalling that the director of the WHO “continues to warn that Covid -19 is still with us and that it is crucial that countries continue vaccination efforts, especially for the most vulnerable.”
The Commissioner also stressed the importance of countries being prepared for future health threats and “maintaining adequate countermeasures and health systems”.
“I think this is a step forward and a new phase that we are entering after 38 months,” Commissioner Stella Kyriakides concluded, speaking in Stockholm, at the end of an informal council of health ministers.
The WHO announced the end of the health emergency due to the pandemic this Friday, but stressed that Covid-19 is still present and it is essential to “let your guard down” and continue to vaccinate efforts, taking measures to ensure everyone’s safety and health.
At the end of the Stockholm meeting, the Health Commissioner also asked Member States to continue working together to ensure that health systems are prepared for potential future threats.
Source: DN
