COVID-19 cases rise in Eastern Mediterranean
Cairo, Egypt – COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise across the Eastern Mediterranean Region, in line with global trends, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
The recent increase is driven by the NB.1.8.1 variant, which is under monitoring but currently poses no additional health risks compared to earlier strains.
The current wave mirrors seasonal surges observed last year, with no abnormal or unexpected virus activity reported.
Hospitalisations and demand for intensive care remain low, the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region Office confirmed. 'COVID-19 transmission continues at considerable levels in many areas,' said WHO. It reiterated that the global risk level remains high and advised countries to continue monitoring, reporting cases and assessing the burden on healthcare systems.
Despite the rise in infections, WHO advised against travel or trade restrictions, stating that current data does not justify such measures.
To reduce the risk of infection, people are advised to avoid crowds, wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and maintain good hygiene practices.
'Clean your hands regularly, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing, and stay home if symptomatic,' WHO stated. Vaccination, including booster doses, remains key to preventing severe illness and death.
Existing vaccines continue to be effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. WHO has urged countries to ensure high-risk groups are up to date with their immunisation schedules.
In December 2024, WHO released a new package of recommendations to guide countries in managing ongoing transmission. These include maintaining strong surveillance systems, improving vaccine access, enhancing healthcare delivery, and countering misinformation.
Since the global health emergency ended in May 2023, national responses to COVID-19 have varied. Some countries have integrated COVID-19 into routine respiratory health programmes, while others are transitioning toward long-term management.
Vaccination continues to play a central role, often delivered alongside seasonal flu and RSV immunisation. WHO said it remains committed to supporting countries by providing technical guidance, coordinating global networks, and helping build essential public health capacities.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
5 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
COVID-19 cases rise in Eastern Mediterranean
Cairo, Egypt – COVID-19 cases are once again on the rise across the Eastern Mediterranean Region, in line with global trends, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said. The recent increase is driven by the NB.1.8.1 variant, which is under monitoring but currently poses no additional health risks compared to earlier strains. The current wave mirrors seasonal surges observed last year, with no abnormal or unexpected virus activity reported. Hospitalisations and demand for intensive care remain low, the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region Office confirmed. 'COVID-19 transmission continues at considerable levels in many areas,' said WHO. It reiterated that the global risk level remains high and advised countries to continue monitoring, reporting cases and assessing the burden on healthcare systems. Despite the rise in infections, WHO advised against travel or trade restrictions, stating that current data does not justify such measures. To reduce the risk of infection, people are advised to avoid crowds, wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and maintain good hygiene practices. 'Clean your hands regularly, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing, and stay home if symptomatic,' WHO stated. Vaccination, including booster doses, remains key to preventing severe illness and death. Existing vaccines continue to be effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. WHO has urged countries to ensure high-risk groups are up to date with their immunisation schedules. In December 2024, WHO released a new package of recommendations to guide countries in managing ongoing transmission. These include maintaining strong surveillance systems, improving vaccine access, enhancing healthcare delivery, and countering misinformation. Since the global health emergency ended in May 2023, national responses to COVID-19 have varied. Some countries have integrated COVID-19 into routine respiratory health programmes, while others are transitioning toward long-term management. Vaccination continues to play a central role, often delivered alongside seasonal flu and RSV immunisation. WHO said it remains committed to supporting countries by providing technical guidance, coordinating global networks, and helping build essential public health capacities.
Observer
6 days ago
- Observer
Philippines warns of health emergency as HIV cases soar
Philippine medical authorities on Tuesday warned of a looming "public health emergency" as HIV infections have soared this year, with young males especially hard-hit. On average, 57 new cases a day were tallied in the country of 117 million people over the first three months of 2025, a 50 percent jump from a year earlier, health department data shows. "We now have the highest number of new cases here in the Western Pacific," Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a video message released Tuesday. "What is frightening is, our youth make up many of the new cases," he said. "It would be in our interest to (declare) a public health emergency, a national emergency for HIV to mobilise the entire society, the whole of government to help us in this campaign to reduce the number of new HIV cases," Herbosa added. The health department said 95 percent of newly reported cases were male, with 33 percent aged 15-24 and 47 percent aged 25-34. The government did not explain the causes behind the surge, which it said had set back government attempts to hit global targets set by a United Nations campaign to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Under Philippine law, the president can declare a health emergency if an epidemic poses a threat to national security. The start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 was the last time that was done. Just 55 percent of those living with HIV in the Philippines have been diagnosed, the health department said, while only 66 percent of those diagnosed are on life-saving antiretroviral therapy. Sexual contact remains the predominant mode of transmission, with the bulk of cases since 2007 attributed to men having sex with men. HIV cases have been on the rise in the Philippines since 2021, with 252,800 people estimated to be living with HIV in the country by the end of this year.
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Times of Oman
Muscat Municipality organises training programme in pest control
Muscat: In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), Muscat Municipality successfully conducted a specialised training programme for the pest control professionals, from 18 May to 1 June 2025. This initiative is part of the Municipality's ongoing efforts to build national expertise in vector control and raise public health standards across the Governorate. Aligned with the latest international standards and best practices, the programme was designed to train the national workforce and field operatives in pest control. It offered a comprehensive approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. It focused on pest identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of integrated, sustainable, and environmentally conscious control strategies. The initiative included a series of scientific lectures and on-site workshops delivered by leading international experts from the WHO. Skilled professionals across the wilayats of Muscat Governorate participated in these sessions, contributing to a dynamic and engaging training environment. 'The collaboration with the WHO underscores Muscat Municipality's commitment to strengthening partnerships with global institutions and capitalising on their expertise across various fields. It enables us to adopt world-class public health practices and further develop the skills and capabilities of our national workforce, contributing directly to national efforts to mitigate health risks and improve quality of life. "We remain steadfast in our investment in human capital, which forms the foundation of the sustainable urban development we aspire to,' said His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality. Notably, this programme marks a significant milestone in Muscat Municipality's strategy to establish an effective and enduring pest control system aligned with public health objectives and national priorities. The Municipality also reaffirmed its commitment to enhance cooperation with international organisations, advance knowledge exchange, and launch further specialised training initiatives. Ultimately, this approach will empower national talent and elevate municipal services in line with the highest professional and scientific benchmarks.
