The world has never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, urging countries to continue their efforts to fight the virus that has killed more than six million people.

The virus, which emerged in China in late 2019, has killed nearly 6.5 million people and infected 606 million, shaking the global economy and overwhelming health systems. The introduction of vaccines and treatments has helped reduce the severity of the disease. The WHO reported that last week's deaths from COVID-19 were the lowest since March 2020.

Nevertheless, Ghebreyesus said countries need to take a hard look at their policies and strengthen them for COVID-19 and future viruses. He also urged countries to vaccinate 100 percent of their high-risk groups and continue testing for the virus.

WHO warned of the possibility of future waves of the virus and said countries need to maintain adequate supplies of medical equipment and health workers.