The head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said the end of COVID-19 "is in sight."
Speaking on Wednesday, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus likened the pandemic to running a marathon.
"Last week, the number of weekly reported deaths from COVID-19 was the lowest since March 2020", he said.
"We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic. We are not there yet, but the end is in sight.
"A marathon runner does not stop when the finish line comes into view.
"She runs harder, with all the energy she has left. So must we.
"We can see the finish line. We’re in a winning position. But now is the worst time to stop running."
The health body has released six policy briefs on key actions that governments should take now.
Dr Ghebreyesus explained: "It's a summary, based on the evidence and experience of the last 32 months, of what works best to save lives, protect health systems, and avoid social and economic disruption.
"These policy briefs are an urgent call for governments to take a hard look at their policies, and strengthen them for COVID-19 and future pathogens with pandemic potential."
He also made a push for further vaccinations.
"We urge all countries to invest in vaccinating 100% of the most at-risk groups - including health workers and older people - as the highest priority on the road to 70% vaccine coverage.
"Keep testing and sequencing for SARS-CoV-2, and integrate surveillance and testing services with those for other respiratory diseases, including influenza", he added.
Globally there have been over 610 million cases of the virus and 6.5 million deaths.
While Ireland has recorded more than 1.6 million cases and 7,901 deaths.
