The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, issued a stern warning that the world must get ready for the next pandemic, which might be "even deadlier" than the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when COVID cases are somewhat stabilising around the world.

"The end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency is not the end of COVID-19 as a global health threat," Mr Tedros said.

"The threat of another variant emerging that causes new surges of disease and death remains, and the threat of another pathogen emerging with even deadlier potential remains."

The head of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, issued a stern warning that the world must get ready for the next pandemic, which might be "even deadlier" than the COVID-19 pandemic, at a time when COVID cases are somewhat stabilising around the world.

"The end of COVID-19 as a global health emergency is not the end of COVID-19 as a global health threat," Mr Tedros said.

"The threat of another variant emerging that causes new surges of disease and death remains, and the threat of another pathogen emerging with even deadlier potential remains."