In a statement released by UNSG´s spokesperson, Guterres said these are not numbers just on a page, they are lives blighted by a ruthless virus that respects no borders. This devastating milestone also reminds us that we are failing much of the world: while rich countries launch third vaccine doses only about 5% of people in Africa are fully vaccinated, Guterres stressed.

In his viewpoint, this is a global shame and we cannot lower our guard as many continue dying due to the disease.

Hospitals continue overcrowded and healthcare workers exhausted, while the risk of new variants spread and claim more lives still remains, he said.

There are other threats that remain valid such as Covid-1- misinformation, accumulation of doses and vaccine nationalism, as well as the lack of global solidarity.

Guterres called on international leaders to fully support the global vaccination strategy he launched last month.

“We need to vaccinate 40% of people in all countries by the end of 2021, and 70% by mid-2022.”

It would be a mistake to think the pandemic is over, even though restrictions are eased in many places. It is pressing to combine vaccines with surveillance by imposing measures such as to wear face masks and social distancing.

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