COVID-19 cases are expected to rise globally. 

At a media briefing, the World Health Organization's Director General, Tedros Ghebreyesus, therefore urged people to continue getting vaccinated to curtail the spread of the disease and save lives.

According to Dr Ghebreyesus, the Omicron variant remains the dominant strain globally, with over 300 variants tracked. 

He says several countries are still reporting high numbers of cases of COVID-19, hospitalisations, and deaths. 

This is attributed to the change in weather, socialising as well as relaxation in COVID protocols. 

The World Health Organization is currently responding to global health issues such as cholera in 27 countries; various virus outbreaks in Pakistan; Ebola in Uganda; skin diseases such as monkeypox, and contaminated medicines. 

The WHO needs about US$82,5 million to assist countries with health services, but more donors are needed to come on board. 

Dr Ghebreyesus also touched on Ebola, saying vaccines currently used for the disease in Uganda, which is caused by the Sudan virus, are not effective. However, the vaccine to treat it is being produced. 

So far, Uganda has 63 cases, ten of which are health care workers, and 29 deaths, ten of which are health care workers. 

In addition, he says WHO has identified four potential medical products that are contaminated in the Gambia that have potentially been linked to kidney injuries that caused 66 deaths among children. 

He stated that cough and cold syrups used for treatment are produced by Maiden Pharmaceuticals Limited in India. 

WHO is busy conducting an investigation into Maiden pharmaceuticals and is urging countries to remove all the products from circulation to prevent further harm to patients. 

Dr Ghebreyesus also cautioned that various viruses are rapidly spreading around the world and countries are encouraged to strengthen their capacity to fight pandemics.