The World Health Organisation on Monday said 10 countries in the world account for 70 per cent of all reported cases and deaths of COVID-19, and just three countries account for half. Speaking at the Executive Board special session on the COVID-19 response, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said there are now almost 35 million reported cases of COVID-19, and more than one million people are reported to have lost their lives.
He said although all countries have been affected by this virus, everyone must remember that this is an uneven pandemic. “10 countries account for 70 percent of all reported cases and deaths, and just 3 countries account for half. “Not all countries have responded the same way, and not all countries have been affected the same way.
“There are roughly four different situations that countries are facing:
- “First, some countries acted decisively and quickly and have avoided large outbreaks.
- “Second, some countries have had large outbreaks but were able to bring them under control, and continue to suppress the virus.
- “Third, while some countries brought the virus under control, as economies and societies have eased restrictions, there has been an increase in cases.
- “And fourth, there are still some countries that are in the intense phase of transmission,” he said.
He, however, said that with strong leadership, clear and comprehensive strategies, consistent communication, and an engaged, empowered and enabled population, it’s never too late for the situation to be turned around. “Every situation can be turned around. And hard-won gains can be easily lost. “The pandemic underlines the fundamental importance of investing in public health and primary health care, even as we fight the virus.
He added that the pandemic is a wake-up call for all and everyone must all look in the mirror and ask what can be done better. The WHO chief also noted that science and disease patterns are constantly evolving – and so must WHO. “Many Member States have already come forward with suggestions about how to strengthen the global system for emergency preparedness and response.
“The pandemic has demonstrated that highly infectious pathogens cannot be contained by any single sovereign state. “We can only confront them by working together in solidarity, and with a One Health approach that addresses the links between human, animal and planetary health. “The world needs a system of robust peer review and mutual accountability for rapid and effective surveillance, preparedness and response.
“This is something we have already started working on, learning from the system of Universal Periodic Review used by the Human Rights Council,” Ghebreyesus said.
Source Punch Healthwise
