“It must be our last plan”: WHO publishes its strategy to end the pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced the publication of an updated Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan against the COVID-19 pandemic, which they state “could and should be the last document”.

The document proposes three possible scenarios on how the pandemic can develop in 2022. The first option that is contemplated, “and the most probable” for the director of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom, is that the virus continues to evolve but that the severity of the disease is reduced as vaccination and infections increase. “It is likely that there will be periodic spikes, so it is necessary to proceed with reinforcements for vulnerable populations”has manifested.

The second scenario that arises, “and the most optimistic”, is that there are fewer variants and that it is not necessary to proceed to prepare new vaccines or booster doses. However, the third idea, which is the most pessimistic, is the one that does not rule out new forms of the SARS-CoV-2 virus “more virulent and more transmissible”.

“Faced with this possible threat, it is extremely important to protect ourselves against the disease and its conditions through vaccination. Responding to this situation means alter current vaccines and make sure they reach the most vulnerable,” has insisted.

However, the director of the WHO has predicted that in order to move forward and end the acute phase of the pandemic, it will be necessary to invest in five fundamental aspects. The first of these is to allocate funds to surveillance, laboratories and health intelligence, as well as vaccination, health and social measures and support for committed communities.

In third place, better clinical care for COVID-19 and resilient health systems are required, while in fourth place, he has praised the development and equitable access to tools and supplies. Lastly, coordination between countries, because responses to emergencies and long-term disease management must be covered.

“We have the necessary tools to control this pandemic. We can prevent transmission, we can save lives by ensuring that everyone has access to testing, to treatments and vaccines. Equitable vaccination remains the most powerful tool we have to save lives.” has defended.