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W.H.O: COVID variants will now be renamed to avoid “stigmatizing”

Published

4 years ago

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Boss of World Health concerned


The World Health Organization has said it will rename COVID-19 variants to avoid stigmatization of countries where new strains of the virus are first reported.

The new system applies to variant of concerns – the most troubling of which four are in circulation.

“While they have their advantages, these scientific names can be difficult to say and recall, and are prone to misreporting,” the WHO says in a statement.

The new names:

The four coronavirus variants considered of concern by the United Nations agency and known generally by the public as the UK, South Africa, Brazil and India

Under a new system revealed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Kent variant will now be known as Alpha, the Indian variant as Delta, and the South African variant as Beta.

Their scientific names – B.1.1.7, B.1.617.2 and B.1.351 – had been considered too complicated to remember, but there were also concerns about referring to them by the locations where they were discovered.

Critics have warned the current format can stigmatise countries where variants are first found.

Some have warned the rise in coverage of the so-called Indian variant as it becomes more widespread could fuel racism against Indian people.

In 2020, due to the fact that COVID-19 originated in China, experts say it led to an increase in hate crimes against Asian people.

Former US president Donald Trump was condemned for regularly referring to coronavirus as the “China virus”, among other such labels.

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AUKUS praised as a win-win for international security

AUKUS envoy affirms Australia’s key role in security cooperation, highlighting nuclear submarine capabilities amid US defense partnership.

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19 hours ago

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July 10, 2025

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AUKUS envoy affirms Australia’s key role in security cooperation, highlighting nuclear submarine capabilities amid US defense partnership.


The UK’s top AUKUS envoy is in Australia, calling the trilateral pact a win-win for international security and defence cooperation.

The visit shines a light on Australia’s strategic role in the alliance, particularly its commitment to building nuclear submarine capabilities.

This moment marks a key test of the Australia–US defence partnership, as both nations prepare for long-term strategic coordination.

#AUKUS #DefenceNews #AustraliaUSAlliance #NuclearSubmarines #TickerNews

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Trump pivots West Africa talks to trade

Trump hosts West African leaders at the White House to discuss security, migration, and trade, seeking acceptance of deported migrants.

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20 hours ago

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July 10, 2025

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Trump hosts West African leaders at the White House to discuss security, migration, and trade, seeking acceptance of deported migrants.


President Donald Trump has hosted leaders from five West African nations at the White House, with discussions centred on security, migration, and trade.

The US is asking these nations to accept deported migrants, particularly where their home countries have refused re-entry.

#Trump #WestAfrica #MigrationPolicy #USAfricaRelations #TickerNews

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Air India crash investigation focuses on fuel switches

Preliminary Air India crash report to focus on fuel switches after deadly June incident; 241 fatalities reported.

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1 day ago

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July 9, 2025

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Preliminary Air India crash report to focus on fuel switches after deadly June incident; 241 fatalities reported.

In Short:
A report on the June Air India jetliner crash, which killed 241 on board and 29 on the ground, is imminent, focusing on fuel control switches and multiple contributing factors. The investigation is led by India’s authority, facing scrutiny over information access, while the government plans to enhance civil aviation safety and improve Air India’s reputation.

A preliminary report on the Air India jetliner crash in June is expected soon. The crash resulted in 241 deaths out of the 242 on board, in addition to at least 29 fatalities on the ground.

Investigators are focusing on the plane’s fuel control switches following an analysis of flight data recorders. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner lost altitude shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad, India. Family members continue to mourn victims, highlighting the tragedy’s impact.

Investigations have found no immediate concerns regarding mechanical failure, and airlines have not been advised to change 787 operations. The focus on fuel switches relates to their role in engine power.

Specific actions

However, details about specific actions being investigated remain unclear.

Experts indicate fuel switches cannot be moved accidently, and any shutdown would instantly affect engine power. Reports suggest that multiple factors likely contributed to the crash. The Indian investigation authority, under international rules, leads the probe but has faced scrutiny over information accessibility, taking weeks to retrieve flight data.

The Indian government has only held one press conference regarding the incident. Recently, U.N.’s International Civil Aviation Organization was granted observer status in the investigation. The event poses challenges for the Tata Group in revamping Air India’s reputation.

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