Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. WHO Europe Chief Says Region in Midst of COVID-19 'Pandemic Paradox' VOA News The World Health Organization's Europe director Hans Kluge said Thursday the continent is in the midst of what he calls the COVID-19 "pandemic paradox," in which vaccine programs offer remarkable hope, while emerging variants present greater uncertainty and risk. Speaking at a news briefing from his headquarters in Copenhagen, Kluge said a total of 35 countries in the European region have already administered 25 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. .