End of COVID pandemic is 'in sight' - WHO chief

(ABC) - The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) says the world has never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are not there yet. But the end is in sight," WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters, in his most upbeat assessment since declaring an international emergency in January 2020 and describing COVID-19 as a pandemic three months later.

The virus, which emerged in China in late 2019, has killed nearly 6.5 million people, including more than 14,000 in Australia.

Deaths from COVID-19 last week were the lowest since March 2020, the WHO reported.

But Dr. Tedros has again urged nations to maintain their vigilance and protect themselves against COVID-19 and future viruses.

"Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work," he said.

He also urged nations to vaccinate 100% of their high-risk groups and keep testing for the virus.