The World Health Organization Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom, has reiterated the need for all countries to continue adhering to COVID-19 containment protocols despite the rollout of vaccination drives.

The WHO chief said in Thursday's COVID-19 briefing that the vaccines cannot defeat the pandemic on their own.

"We cannot end the pandemic without vaccines, but vaccines alone will not end the pandemic. Vaccines do not replace the need for public health and social measures – they complement them," he said.

"Physical distancing, limiting crowds, masks, ventilation, hand hygiene and other effective public health measures remain important."

Dr Tedros' call comes as many countries globally have eased restrictions after seeing declines in their virus loads.

Many governments have lifted lockdowns, ended curfews and started allowed public gatherings.

The WHO chief also noted in his briefing that the fight against the pandemic had been hindered by vaccine inequity.

"The pandemic persists in large part because inequitable access to tools persists," said Dr Tedros.

"Eighty times more tests, and 30 times more vaccines, have been administered in high-income countries than low-income countries."

Dr Tedros has been vocal on the need to ensure vaccine equity, which he says is a prerequisite to victory against the pandemic.