KUALA LUMPUR: A study has found that the COVID-19 death toll in the country may reach up to a staggering 26,000 by September based on the current trajectory, said World Health Organisation (WHO) Science Council member Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman.
The estimated number will be at least nine times the current cumulative death toll, which stood at 2,993 today.
She said the study, conducted by the Institute for Health Metric and Evaluation (IHME) of the University of Washington in the United States, also estimated that the daily death rate would go as high as 200 cases towards the end of August.
"COVID-19 is set to be the second-highest cause of death in Malaysia after heart attack," the infectious diseases expert said in a Sinar Harian programme hosted by Tokoh Wartawan Negara Tan Sri Johan Jaafar that was aired live today.
The IHME, on its website, stated that the estimation took into account six drivers of change in mortality that have happened since the onset of the pandemic.
COVID-ADEEBA 2 (LAST) KUALA LUMPUR
These include the total number of all deaths directly related to COVID-19 infection, the increase in mortality due to healthcare being delayed or deferred, the increase in mortality due to increases in mental health disorders and the reduction in mortality due to decreases in injuries because of general reductions in mobility associated with social distancing mandates.
Other factors include the reduction in mortality due to reduced transmission of other viruses and the reduction in mortality due to some chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases that occur when frail individuals, who would have succumbed to these conditions, die earlier from COVID-19 instead.
Dr Adeeba, who is also the chairman of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, stressed that the fight against COVID-19 was one that all Malaysian should be involved in, with the current lockdown being the most important battlefield.
"We should take this MCO (Movement Control Order) to really reflect, strategise and reset. Make plans that we can carry forward while awaiting the complete vaccine roll-out. I don't think we can afford to have MCO 5.0 anymore.
"The leadership must also be responsible to restore the public's trust because, in terms of health, trust is the currency of public health... like it or not, the government must regain the (public's) trust, which we had during the earlier MCO," she said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jun 02 2021
WHO Science Council member Prof Datuk Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said a study has found that the COVID-19 death toll in the country may reach a staggering 26,000 by September based on the current trajectory. - Facebook/Adeeba Kamarulzaman
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.