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Millions were making ‘heartbreaking sacrifices’ by staying away from loved ones on Christmas Day, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a video clip posted to Twitter Thursday night, while others will be missing a face at the family table.
FILE: World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on July 3, 2020 at WHO headquarters in Geneva. Image: AFP
GENEVA – The sacrifices made to protect people during the coronavirus pandemic should not be wasted during the festive period, the head of the World Health Organization said in a Christmas message.
Millions were making “heartbreaking sacrifices” by staying away from loved ones on Christmas Day, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a video clip posted to Twitter Thursday night, while others will be missing a face at the family table.
He said vaccines, now beginning to be rolled out in countries around the world, are beginning to offer a way out of the crisis that has hit the planet this year.
“As 2020 draws to a close, a pandemic of historic proportions is preventing many of us from celebrating the way we would like,” said Tedros.
“Instead, hundreds of millions of people are making great, heartbreaking sacrifices by staying apart to stay safe.
“But in doing so, they are giving the most precious gifts: the gifts of life and health.”
I wish you all a safe and peaceful vacation. This year keeping us apart to be safe from # COVID-19, we can all give the most important gifts of all: the gifts of life and health. #In thisTogetherpic.twitter.com/HlNobGujwg
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) Dec 24, 2020
The new coronavirus has killed at least 1.7 million people since the outbreak emerged in China last December, while nearly 78.7 million cases have been recorded, according to a count from official sources compiled by AFP.
“All over the world, throughout these hard years, we have seen time and again the sacrifices of so many people to protect and preserve life,” said Tedros.
“We must not waste their sacrifices, nor those made by so many families who, this Christmas season, will sit at family tables without a familiar face.
“Despite so much loss, we have built so much hope. Vaccines are offering the world a way out of this tragedy. But it will take time for everyone to get vaccinated.”
According to the WHO overview of different candidate vaccines, 61 have entered human trials, 16 of which have reached the final stage of mass testing.
Another 172 candidate vaccines are being developed in laboratories with a view to eventual human testing.
Tedros said, “We must continue to take comfort in the fact that by caring for others, through acts of solidarity and safety, we can share the greatest gift of all – the gift of life.”
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