World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Tedros Adkhan Ghebreyesus, at a meeting with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, praised Russia’s contribution to multilateral cooperation under the auspices of WHO, including global efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
“The organization is interested in the widespread use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine and other responsible drugs for the prevention of coronavirus infection in order to help countries in need, including through international mechanisms,” the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry quoted Gebreyesus as saying.
The diplomatic department noted that a constructive discussion took place on a number of urgent tasks related to strengthening WHO’s capacity in preparedness and response to outbreaks of dangerous infectious diseases and other health emergencies.
“The commitment of our country to building up constructive interaction with WHO as a key UN organization providing coordination of international work in the field of health was reaffirmed,” the message says.
On April 19, Gebreyesus announced that the incidence of coronavirus infection has been growing in the world for the eighth week in a row. According to him, during this period of time, the organization received reports of 5.2 million cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mortality among patients with COVID-19 has risen for the fifth consecutive week.