The number of COVID-19 deaths have surpassed 270,000 globally, as the world continues to battle the pandemic.

Latest figures from the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University show that the number of infections globally have reached 3,877,914 while the fatalities have hit 270,537.

The U.S. remains the most affected country, having registered 1,259,777 cases and 75,852 deaths.

Only three countries have recorded more than 30,000 deaths; the U.S., U.K. and Italy.

As the number continue to swell, there world is now focusing on the search and development of a vaccine.

In a press briefing on Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom urged the world to continue its efforts in the fights against the pandemic.

Tedros highlighted the organization's five strategic objectives, which include mobilizing communities, isolating confirmed cases, suppressing community transmission, reducing mortality and developing safe and effective vaccines.

Source(s): Johns Hopkins University