What "immense and avoidable suffering and threats to health" did Tedros acknowledge in his message?

In his message, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), acknowledged the immense and avoidable suffering and threats to health primarily relating to the ongoing global health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This suffering includes the loss of lives due to delayed medical services, the worsening of non-communicable diseases, and mental health repercussions arising from the pandemic.

Tedros highlighted issues such as inequitable access to vaccines, lack of healthcare resources in many regions, and the socioeconomic impact of health restrictions that exacerbate existing inequalities. Furthermore, he emphasized the need for global solidarity, increased investment in health systems, and the importance of addressing the social determinants of health to mitigate these threats and prevent future crises. This acknowledgment serves to underline the critical necessity for coordinated international action to alleviate these health challenges effectively.