WHO Hires Swedish Epidemiologist Behind Controversial COVID-19 Response

Anders Tegnell, the architect of Sweden's unique pandemic approach, will join the World Health Organization (WHO) next week to coordinate global coronavirus vaccination efforts. Tegnell's decision comes as the country reports one of the world's highest per capita COVID-19 death rates. Sweden's approach, which relied on citizens' civic duty rather than lockdowns, has been widely debated.

Key Takeaways:

• Anders Tegnell, the chief epidemiologist behind Sweden's COVID-19 response, will join the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday.
• Tegnell will work on global coronavirus vaccination efforts, coordinating activities between WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi.
• Sweden's pandemic approach has been criticized for its high per capita COVID-19 death rate, which is among the world's highest.
• The Swedish government relied on citizens' civic duty to protect the population, rather than imposing lockdowns or restrictions on the economy.
• Schools, bars, and restaurants remained open in Sweden throughout the pandemic, with residents advised to practice social distancing.
• Tegnell expressed his passion for international issues and ensuring that vaccines reach countries with limited financial resources.
• The Swedish Public Health Agency gave the official announcement of Tegnell's new role.

Statistics:

• Sweden reported one of the world's highest per capita COVID-19 death rates.
• The country's death rate will be addressed at the WHO in Geneva, where Tegnell will be working.
• Tegnell will start working on Monday at the WHO.

Sources:

• The Swedish Public Health Agency
• AP news wire, "WHO hires Swedish epidemiologist behind COVID-19 response"
• AP news wire, "Follow all AP stories on the pandemic at: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic"