UN chief calls for vaccine equity as world reaches 'tragic milestone' of 5M deaths

By Burak Bir

ANKARA (AA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for vaccine equity for everyone as the number of people who have died from the coronavirus has exceeded 5 million worldwide in less than two years.

"We must continue pushing to ensure everyone, everywhere can access urgently needed vaccines & treatments," Guterres said on Twitter, mentioning the current situation as "our world has reached another tragic milestone" with 5 million death due to COVID-19.

He underlined that "only together" with solidarity, the world will overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

The number of people who have died from the coronavirus has exceeded 5 million worldwide in less than two years, according to Johns Hopkins University early Monday.

Data from the US-based institution showed more than 246.8 million have been infected by the virus that emerged in China in December 2019, and has since spread to every corner of the world.

Over 6.94 billion vaccine doses have been administered so far, the Johns Hopkins data showed.

The mRNA vaccines have shown remarkable efficacy in combating the infection, while new variants emerging worldwide have scientists on edge about whether the vaccines will remain as effective in fighting virus mutations.