According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the covid pandemic has caused the deaths of nearly 15 million people around the world. 

Despite this number being 13% more than the expected figure after two years, the WHO believe that many countries around the world undercounted the number of those who died from Corona Virus.For example, WHO found that there were 4.7 million Covid deaths in India but this number is 10 times the official figure. The Indian government have said that they have "concerns" about the methodology used by the WHO and have questioned the new estimate.

However, other studies have resulted in similar conclusions about the amount of deaths in the country.The calculations by the WHO have taken into account those deaths which were not direction because of COVID and instead, death caused by the knock-on effects have also been considered. These effects include factors such as people being unable to access hospitals for the care that they need.WHO's new figures also takes into accounts poor record-keeping in some regions and the rarity of testing at the start of the pandemic.

Despite these acceptances, WHO are certain that the majority of the extra 9.5 million deaths recorded by themselves are seen to be direct deaths caused by the virus, rather than indirect deaths.

Speaking about the figures, Dr Samira Asma, from the WHO's data department, has said that the new numbers are "a tragedy."

She continued:

"It's a staggering number and it's important for us to honour the lives that are lost, and we have to hold policymakers accountable."

"If we don't count the dead, we will miss the opportunity to be better prepared for the next time."

The Who figures suggest that alongside India, countries with the highest total excess deaths included Russia, Indonesia, USA, Brazil, Mexico and Peru. The numbers for Covid deaths in Russia are being said to be three-and-a-half times the country's recorded deaths.