Hayat spoke with Dr. Ali Mokdad of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington about the near future of Omicron in the US, and globally.
Dr. Mokdad, who has shared his expertise with NPR, CNN, and more, has hopeful news. According to him, while its far from time to let loose and lose diligence, cases of Omicron have likely peaked already.
Dr. Ali Mokdad: Vaccines, warm weather offer hope
Dr. Mokdad explains that warming weather and prevalence of vaccines (including boosters) could spell serious declines in cases. Of course, he also cautions that as people get more relaxed, stop distancing, and stop wearing masks, those cases will increase again. Even so, he anticipates a decrease, possibly continuing until next Winter.
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation began focusing heavily on the coronavirus in February of 2020. Initially, they worked to prep hospitals for the incoming waves of disease, offering expectations to better prepare them. Since then, more departments have shifted to take on the increasing demands of the position. Dr. Mokdad uses global data to track cases, and project future trends based on current information.
Dr. Ali Mokdad: Director of Middle Eastern Initiatives
In addition to his role as Professor of Health Metrics Sciences at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) and Chief Strategy Officer for Population Health at the University of Washington, Dr. Mokdad is the director of Middle Eastern Initiatives at UW. In this capacity, he works on expanding IHME’s reach to the Middle East.
Prior to his current position, Dr. Mokdad worked at the CDC, among other global and national health administrations.
Read more about Dr. Ali Mokdad here.
Keep up to date with the CDC here.
