* Dr Mike Ryan said the pandemic was a 'wake-up call' that the planet is fragile
* He said it had shown science, logistics, training and government needed to improve to manage future global health crises better
* Experts from the WHO spoke at the year's final press briefing on Tuesday
* Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised progress made so far but noted new variants of Covid-19 and pandemic fatigue as challenges ahead
The World Health Organization has warned that the coronavirus pandemic is 'not necessarily the big one' and that a more deadly virus could yet sweep the globe.
Dr Mike Ryan, head of the WHO emergencies programme, said on Tuesday that the pandemic was a 'wake-up call'.
'This pandemic has been very severe… it has affected every corner of this planet. But this is not necessarily the big one,' he told a media briefing.
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MIDDLE EAST
US-Iran tensions rise in Iraq, as Qassem Soleimani assassination anniversary nears.
Turkey, US in talks to discuss sanctions imposed over S-400s.
Syrian soldier killed in Israeli raid near Damascus.
Syria's regime auctions off land of the displaced.
A traitor's welcome: Israeli spy Jonathan Pollard who stole secrets from Pentagon flies into Tel Aviv on Trump mega-donor Sheldon Adelson's private jet and kisses the ground as he is met by Netanyahu after 30 years in US prison.
Saudi women's rights activist Loujain al-Hathloul given five-year prison sentence.
ASIA
Indian forces kill three Kashmiri men in Srinagar.
Mob attacks and sets fire to Hindu temple in Pakistan.
First case of fast-spreading COVID-19 mutation reported in Taiwan.
Wuhan virus cases may be 10 times higher than reported: China health study.
Chinese journalist who documented Wuhan coronavirus outbreak jailed for 4 years.
Chinese drugmaker says its COVID-19 vaccine is almost 80% effective.
North Korea prepares for major January party congress.
AFRICA
Three French soldiers killed by explosive device in Mali operation.
Ethiopia's Tigray conflict revives bitter disputes over land.
Runner-up in Ghana presidential election seeks new vote.
Egypt denies policemen were involved in Italian student murder.
Covid-19 takes its toll on African economy.
Algeria president returns from Covid treatment in Germany.
EUROPE
Brexit is finally DONE: After four years of wrangling, Boris signs and seals Britain's historic divorce from the EU - as MPs vote 521 to 73 in favour of his deal despite threats of a Labour Remainer rebellion.
European Union leaders formally sign post-Brexit UK trade deal.
Croatia earthquake leaves children among dead, forcing hospital evacuation and nuclear plant shutdown.
France records sharp surge in new daily Covid-19 infections.
Ireland warns new variant 'surpasses the most pessimistic models'.
Only 40% of French population say they want to take coronavirus vaccine as deaths soar across Europe including 1,000 a day in Germany and a new high of 205 in Sweden.
Russia reveals it has world’s 3rd-highest overall Covid-19 deaths after US & Brazil, per capita numbers similar to rest of Europe.
Russia’s ultimatum to Navalny: Return immediately or face jail.
Dozens missing after massive landslide sweeps away houses in Norway sparking mass evacuation as disaster is declared.
Moldova's Maia Sandu: 'I want to be the president of European integration'.
AMERICAS
Record 3,700 people die in a single day from COVID as new high of 124,000 are hospitalized as mutant strain is found in Colorado.
CDC says new coronavirus variant has likely been transmitting person-to-person in the US.
'Nothing short of irresponsibility.' Joe Biden slams Trump administration for REFUSING to co-operate with transition and singles out Pentagon for 'obstruction'.
US expects to approve UK-backed AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine in April.
BREAKING NEWS: Republican Louisiana Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, 41, dies from COVID-19 just over ten days after testing positive for the virus.
McConnell signals House $2,000 stimulus checks bill won't pass Senate.
Georgia voters flood polls ahead of crucial US Senate contests.
Biden expected to name remaining Cabinet nominees in 2021.
NYC records most murders since 2011 as killings surge 41% this year compared to 2019 and police commissioner says: 'I can´t imagine a darker period'.
Cuban asylum seekers protest on US-Mexican border.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US-backed forces raid ISIS cells in Syria.
New jihadist attack in troubled N. Mozambican province.
US 'stands ready' to try mastermind behind Daniel Pearl murder.
Indonesia bans Islamic Defenders’ Front, citing terrorist links.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Wall Street ends up on recovery expectation.
Bitcoin surges to record $28,500, quadrupling in value this year.
EU and China approve major investment deal.
Amazon reveals it delivered more than 1.5 BILLION items globally during 'record-breaking holiday season' with fourth quarter sales set to surge 38% amid COVID restrictions.
Hollywood productions shut down again as LA Covid cases soar.
'Invincible' tech titans face growing scrutiny from Governments and users around fake news, tax avoidance and unfair competition as the coronavirus pandemic tightens their grip on lives.
China orders Alibaba founder Jack Ma to break up fintech empire.
