The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning on Tuesday that the new coronavirus variation Omicron was spreading at an unprecedented rate and was likely already prevalent in most nations.
According to WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the new, heavily mutated version has been identified in 77 countries since it was first discovered in southern Africa last month.
“The reality is that Omicron is most likely in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet,” he said.
He said, “Omicron is spreading at a rate we haven’t seen with any other variety.”
His remarks come amid mounting evidence that the new variation may be better than previous ones at evading vaccine safeguards while causing milder symptoms.
But Tedros cautioned against “dismissing Omicron as mild.”
“Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril,” he said.
“Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems.”
In light of the continued obvious imbalance in vaccine access between wealthy and poorer countries, the WHO chief expressed worry that many governments are rushing to supply booster vaccine doses in reaction to the outbreak of Omicron.
“WHO is concerned that such programmes will repeat the Covid-19 vaccine hoarding” seen previously this year, he said.
He said there isn’t enough evidence to indicate that a third dose is required to protect healthy adults from the variation, but that “as we move forward, boosters could play a crucial role.”
Many vulnerable people in poorer countries, on the other hand, have yet to receive a single dose.
“Let me be very clear: WHO is not against boosters. We’re against inequity. Our main concern is to save lives everywhere,” Tedros said.
“It’s a question of prioritisation,” he said.
“The order matters. Giving boosters to groups at low risk of severe disease or death simply endangers the lives of those at high risk who are still waiting for their primary doses because of supply constraints.”
