The number of global COVID-19 deaths have surpassed the 1.3 million mark, according to a tally by the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

By Saturday afternoon, the fatalities recorded globally from the disease stood at 1,305,014, from more than 53.51 million infections.

The United States remains to be the hardest-hit country by the pandemic, having recorded over 10.74 million confirmed cases and deaths exceeding 244,000.

The country accounts for 20.08 percent of the world's COVID-19 infections and 18.73 percent of the global deaths.

In total, ten countries have registered more than one million infections, thought only three have hit figures exceeding five million.

Besides the U.S, only Brazil (164,737) and India (129,188) have recorded more than 100,000 deaths.

The latest figures come as the World Health Organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom said that the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the consequences of chronic under-investment in public health.

In efforts to enable the world better prepare for any future health crises, Tedros announced on Friday the establishment of "a new Council on the Economics of Health for All, to focus on the links between health and sustainable, inclusive and innovation-led economic growth."