Next pandemic will be 'even deadlier' than Covd-19, warns WHO chief

This comes at a time when COVID cases are somewhat stabilising around the world.

"The end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency is not the end of COVID-19 as a global health threat," Tedros said.

"The threat of another variant emerging that causes new surges of disease and death remains, and the threat of another pathogen emerging with even deadlier potential remains."

The head of the WHO said this as he presented his report to the 76th World Health Assembly.

He underscored the need for effective global mechanisms that address and respond to emergencies of all kinds.

"When the next pandemic comes knocking-and it will-we must be ready to answer decisively, collectively, and equitably," he advised.

Tedros said COVID-19 had significant implications for health-related targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have a deadline of 2030.