Covid-19: at least 1.4 million lives saved in Europe thanks to vaccines, according to WHO

Europe 1 with AFP 12:05 p.m., January 16, 2024

Covid vaccines have saved at least 1.4 million lives in Europe, the regional head of the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday, recalling that the virus was here "to stay". "Today, 1.4 million people in our region – mostly elderly people – can enjoy life with their loved ones because they have made the vital decision to get vaccinated against Covid-19," Kluge told an online news conference.

More than 277.7 million Covid-19 cases reported

According to WHO data as of 19 December 2023, more than 277.7 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the region, which includes 53 countries and stretches into Central Asia, as well as more than 2.2 million deaths. "The first booster alone saved about 700,000 lives," the doctor said.

During the winter period, it is crucial to protect yourself and the most vulnerable. "As we learn to live with Covid-19 and other respiratory viruses, it is absolutely vital for vulnerable populations to stay up-to-date with their Covid-19 and flu vaccinations."

"We risk not being prepared for any exceptional eventuality"

It is imperative that Europe continues to invest in its health, he insisted. "We may not be prepared for any exceptional eventuality, such as the emergence of a new, more severe variant of Covid-19 or a still unknown pathogen," Kluge said.

It must make efforts on funding in order to improve the situation of health care workers and stem the shortage of basic medicines. "I am deeply concerned that health is disappearing from the political agenda and that we are failing to solve the problem of the ticking time bomb facing our health and care workforce," Kluge said.