Advertisement

Updated December 25th, 2020 at 19:04 IST

WHO Chief Tedros asks people to 'stay apart' this holiday season in his Christmas message

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has issued a message, urging everyone to stay apart in order to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reported by: Vishal Tiwari
WHO
| Image:self
Advertisement

This holiday season, the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has issued a message, urging everyone to stay apart in order to stay safe amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Tedros said that this is the most important gift people can give to the frontline workers amid the global crisis, "the gifts of life and health," he added. 

Read: WHO Chief Tedros Welcomes 'encouraging' News On COVID-19 Vaccine From Pfizer, BioNTech

"As 2020 draws to an end, a pandemic of historic proportions is preventing many of us from celebrating in the ways we would like - as tight-knit communities and extended families, coming together around fire places, and dining tables sharing stories, love and kindness with those dearest to us. Instead hundreds and millions of people are today making great, heart-wrenching sacrifices, by staying apart to stay safe. But in doing so, they are giving the most precious gifts, the gifts of life and health," Tedros said in his Christmas speech.  

Read: WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Hails Aarogya Setu For Tracing COVID-19

'Remember the sacrifices'

Tedros talked about the "great sacrifices" made by health professionals, carers, and other essential workers to save lives and prevent suffering amid the pandemic. Tedros said that people must not waste the sacrifices made by these workers and should follow all health and safety protocols. The UN health body chief further urged people to keep in mind the sacrifices of those families who will, this holiday season, sit at their family tables missing familiar faces. 

Read: WHO Chief Congratulates Biden & Harris On Poll Win, Calls For Joint Fight Against COVID-19

Tedros also talked about the COVID-19 vaccines, saying they have provided the much-needed hope and "way out of this tragedy". However, he warned people against letting their guards down because it will take time to vaccinate the entire world. Until then, Tedros said the people must keep caring for each other through acts of solidarity and safety, and by doing so, "we can share the greatest gift of all, the gift of life". 

Nearly 80 million people have been infected by the COVID-19 virus so far, of which 1.74 million people have lost their lives. Several countries have started the vaccination campaign, including the UK, US, Canada, Israel, Russia. However, it seems for the vaccine to reach poorer countries will take some time, which has become a big matter of concern for the WHO.  

Read: COVID-19: WHO Says Govt Decisions In Coming Days Will Be 'decisive' Amid 1st Breakthrough
 

Advertisement

Published December 25th, 2020 at 19:04 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

Avesh Khan
a few seconds ago
INDI Seals Seat-sharing Deal in Bihar, RJD to Contest on 26 Seats, Cong 9
a few seconds ago
Congress Press Conference
2 minutes ago
Adani Green Adopts Robotics for Solar Module Maintenance
16 minutes ago
Electric Vehicle
19 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
19 minutes ago
A poster of Crew
24 minutes ago
"We never celebrated Holi after the incident (the murder), I felt that today is Holi for us,” Alka Rai, wife of formerBJP MLA Krishnanand Rai said.
27 minutes ago
PM Modi & BillGates
32 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo