The new coronavirus variant Omicron is spreading across the globe at an unprecedented rate, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.
Cases of the heavily mutated variant have been confirmed in 77 countries.
But at a press conference, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said it was probably in many others that had yet to detect it.
Dr Tedros said he was concerned that not enough was being done to tackle the variant.
"Surely, we have learned by now that we underestimate this virus at our peril. Even if Omicron does cause less severe disease, the sheer number of cases could once again overwhelm unprepared health systems," he said.
The Omicron variant was first identified in South Africa in November, and the country has since seen a surge in infections. President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently isolating with mild symptoms.
A number of countries have introduced travel bans affecting South Africa and its neighbours following the emergence of Omicron, but this has failed to stop it from spreading around the world.
In the press conference on Tuesday, Dr Tedros reiterated concerns about vaccine inequity, as some countries accelerate rollouts of a booster shot in response to Omicron.
Recent studies of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine showed it produced far fewer neutralising antibodies against Omicron than against the original strain, but that this deficit could be reversed by a third, booster, jab.
Dr Tedros said boosters "could play an important role" in curbing the spread of Covid-19, but that it was "a question of prioritisation".
"The order matters. Giving boosters to groups at low risk of severe disease or death simply endangers the lives of those at high risk who are still waiting for their primary doses because of supply constraints," he said.
Supplies to the global vaccine-sharing programme Covax have increased in recent months.
However, world health officials fear a shortfall of tens of millions of doses - like the one which occurred in the middle of this year when India suspended its vaccine exports - could happen again.
In poorer countries, some vulnerable people are yet to receive a single dose.
Latest Stories
-
Although people may not always listen to the lyrics, there’s still a market for rap in Ghana – E.L.
2 mins -
Passengers appeal to transport operators to officially announce new fares
13 mins -
Damongo: About 400 NPP Members resign over Minister’s alleged meddling in chieftaincy affairs
38 mins -
Next NDC government will pay special attention to women – Naana Opoku-Agyemang
47 mins -
Amerado is singing and it’s good he’s doing that – Lyrical Joe
56 mins -
NDC government will establish a Women’s Development Bank – Prof Opoku-Agyemang
1 hour -
My selection is an affirmation of your belief in women – Naana Opoku tells Mahama
1 hour -
Our ticket will be a pair of experienced individuals – Mahama assures
1 hour -
NDC officially outdoors Prof Naana Opoku-Agyemang as running mate
2 hours -
+233 hosts Int. Jazz Day concert on April 30
2 hours -
Farmer arraigned over threat of death
2 hours -
Education Minister unveils new uniforms for basic schools
2 hours -
8th Ghana CEO Summit scheduled for May 27
2 hours -
Leaked intimate video has severely embarrassed me; I’m sorry – Serwaa Amihere
3 hours -
Poll results alone don’t constitute victory for any political party- Asiedu Nketia cautions NDC
4 hours